You don’t fully understand the MBTI if you don’t know much about cognitive functions. One of these functions is the extroverted sensing function.

This article talks about extroverted sensing in closer detail.

What is Extroverted Sensing?

Extroverted sensing, also known as Se, focuses on the external environment. This function focuses on the present and is conscious of everything happening “at the moment.”

Thus, Se users are very much in touch with their sensory organs. This means that anything that involves their surroundings usually comes easily to them.

For example, most se-doms are good at sports. This is because sports involve a lot of physical movement and awareness, all the things Se is known for. They might also be good chefs or artists. To them, the world starts in the present.

In other words, they are constantly taking information from their environment. For Se-doms, what happens next depends on their auxiliary function. For example, ESTP and ESFP are se-doms.

With ESTPs, Ti backs up Se. Thus, Se takes in sensory experiences while Ti helps ESTPs make sense of it and take action. This can happen in a flash (when physical movements are needed).

For ESFPs, Fi backs up Se. Thus, Se takes in sensory experiences while Fi passes them through their internal values. Thus, ESFPs can quickly decide if a particular situation violates their values.

Of course, each of these types can use Se without their auxiliary functions. For example, Se allows them to appreciate their environment or enjoy a walk better than most people.

Signs That You Use the Se Function

1.   You’re Always in the Present

Se-doms are always in the present. They want to tackle the problems they see now. Se-users, on the other hand, is just self-aware of their environment.

For se-doms, being in the present might mean feeling the wind a bit more or seeing the beauty in a chocolate muffin. Their senses are heightened.

2.   You Prefer Working With Your Hands

Because of their heightened senses, se-doms love working with their hands. Thus, they make excellent engineers, mechanics, and artists.

Their ability to work with their hands is complimented nicely by their appreciation for beauty. These two traits amplify their work in certain career paths.

3.   You Pay Attention To Details

Because of how attuned they are to their environment, Se-doms can easily see tiny details. They know the guy behind them who just moved or the smell in a room they just entered.

Their attention to detail can help them spot problems where others fail. However, this doesn’t include other things outside the environment, such as numbers on a balance sheet.

4.   You’re A Bit Impulsive

With sensory experiences comes a lot of excitement. This is heightened because se-doms usually have the perceiving function.

So, you can expect them to be a bit impulsive. Because they also focus on the present and ignore the past, they can also seem rash.

For other se users, the extent to which this applies depends on their position on the stack.

5.   You Love New Ideas and Possibilities

New ideas and possibilities excite Se-doms. This is especially true when it suits their preferences. Once they have an idea, they can’t wait to start.

They might plan and structure every detail to ensure it comes out alright. Se-doms are creativity monsters.

6.   Risks are Alright

With new ideas and possibilities come risks. This is part of the journey that se-doms are willing to accept. Because they focus so much on the present, they can quickly forget about risks that failed in the past.

This trait allows them to keep taking risks in the future. Eventually, one will pay off. While this is true, this does not necessarily mean they are reckless. They are just eager to risk a little for much more.

7.   Outdoor Activities Are Amazing

As earlier stated, se users can sense their environment more than others. With that comes the ability to respond quickly to changes in their surroundings. Thus, most se users have sharp reflexes and close control.

This allows them to excel at outdoor activities. Hiking, skating, and playing soccer/football are things they might excel in.

8.   Nothing Comes Close to Sensory Experiences

Finally, we have to discuss their sensory experiences. Nothing beats it. They experience in full detail everything they come across.

For example, if their food tastes great, they’ll love it deeply, and vice versa. Their heightened sensory traits allow them to embrace the literal world fully.

Which MBTI Types Use Extroverted Sensing?

Cognitive Stack	MBTI Type
Primary Function	ESFP and ESTP
Auxiliary Function	ISFP and ISTP
Tertiary Function	ENFJ and ENTJ
Inferior Function	INFJ and INTJ

As you can see above, eight MBTI types use the extroverted sensing function (Se). However, its position on their function stack determines how much each type relies on this cognitive function.

Commonly Asked Questions About Extroverted Sensing (Se Function)

What Does Inferior Extroverted Sensing Look Like?

Inferior Se is used by both INFJ and INTJ. As the name suggests, it’s underdeveloped by both the INFJs and INTJs.

In other words, these MBTI types would rather use their Ni instead of Se.

How Do I Know If I have Introverted Sensing or Extroverted Sensing?

The difference between Si and Se is their focus. Si is focused on internal experiences, while Se is focused on external sensory experiences.

In other words, Si is stuck in reliving the past and correcting their mistakes, while Se is stuck in the present and trying new and old things.