As briefly as I can:
- why is socionics worth learning about?
The functions are more faithful to the Jungian definitions, it could help to find you actual type,you may find it more interesting than mbti theory, and just for the sake of learning.
There are 16 types just like in MBTI, except instead of only looking at the function stack with four functions of the type, it involves all eight functions and how that manifests in each personality type. The functions are the same, but it is about valuing those four functions. It also included inter type relations and sub-types. The definitions of the functions themselves are slightly different to the mbti cognitive functions.
- is it different enough from MBTI that I'd have to learn an entire new system?
You can use your knowledge of the functional stack and functions of each type to help you learn socionics, so you don't have to learn an
entire new system. Basically it adds detail and complexity.
- how does one's type work in that system?
For introverts the J/P axis switches (e.g. EII / INFj = INFP) because dominant Fi is a Judging function. It remains the same for extroverted types (e.g. LIE / ENTj = ENTJ). EII simply means Ethical (Ethics is the socionics term for Feeling) Intuitive (N) Introvert (meaning leading function/dominant function is introverted) but it also known as INFj.
There are also Four Quadras. Types that share the same valued functions (eg. NFJs and STPs) belong to the same quadra.
- do I really have to find an entire new type?
Your socionics type will most likely align with your self-discovered cognitive functions. However, in my opinion socionics types can be slightly different. Depends it you are going by you MBTI type (then it could have a huge difference in the four letters) or your Cognitive Functions alone (Likely the same functions in socionics). You should still read into types and functions to identify your type as it will expand your insight to typology as a whole.
- is it better than MBTI or enneagram or any of the other systems thrown around on here?
Yes. In my opinion. But actually it does make the most logical sense, as it has been more heavily researched than mbti/enneagram, or at least appears to be.
- is there anything else I should be asking here but don't know that I should ask? and what is the answer to that?
Socionics uses something called Model A which addresses all 8 functions in each type. Basically a Ethical type will have both strong Fe and Fi, a Logician has strong Ti and Te, and so on. Each function in Model A has a name to describe it's position in each type. We have four blocks for all types, the functions belonging to that are depending on each type.
For example you are typed as an ESTP. In socionics = SLE / ESTp. In Model A that would be:
"Mental" functions means conscious in the psyche, and we are aware of when we are using these functions, even if we don't value the function. "vital" means unconscious, even if we do value these functions.
Ego Block (strong, valued, mental)
Leading Function, 4D (Se)
Creative Function, 3D (Ti)
Super-Ego Block (Weak, unvalued, mental)
Role Function, 2D (Ne)
Vulnerable Function, 1D (Fi)
Super-Id Block (weak, valued, vital)
Suggestive Function, 1D (Ni)
Mobilizing Function, 2D (Fe)
Id Block
Ignoring Function, 3D (Si)
Demonstrative Function, 4D(Te)
"Dimenstionality" (4-Dimensional, 3D, 2D, 1D) is relating to the strength of each function. Strongest functions are 4D and weakest functions are 1D.
Socionics Model A
Dimensionality and Typing
Hope I am not throwing too much information at once. If you have any more questions feel free to ask because that might be confusing. I recommend you read about socionics on sociotype.com if you are interested in learning about socionics.