STATUS

There are people coming for different reasons.

A: buying stuff!
B: watching shows or contests or whatever
C: meeting people, talking with people
D: showing off or admiring cosplays
E: getting stuff signed or meeting artists or whatever
(F: free hugs!)

While there are many people, the common goals, topics and interest make for a very relaxed atmosphere in which talking to anyone is really easy. Every time I'm there I join up with random people (and have been revisiting with a friend every time since). It's never been so easy to find fans of your favorite stuff.
I find it a very easy atmosphere. And for a crowd, it feels much better than the usual.
But of course, if the very idea is scaring you, then you might want to go to smaller ones or find other ways to indulge in your hobby.

They're a blast! There's a lot of people, but since you're all there for the convention, you already have stuff in common, it's super easy to make new friends! And yea, it's a cool way to find neat art and accessories and things others have made, or if you're interested in meeting your favorite writers/actors/artists in person, cons are the place.

I mean, if you don't care for crowds, it might not be worth it. Cons can be pretty packed. Maybe you can find recordings of the panels online? Depending on the con that might be a thing.

Cosplaying is really fun, too! And it's fun to see all the other cool outfits!

I've helped run a few Cons in my time and they are just so much fun, well except when I was on security detail and a couple of jerks thought they could bother some of the stallholders and get away with it. You're surrounded by an atmosphere that is conducive to a share interest and all about exploring that interest. You get to ask those odd and burning questions of favourite writers/actors/artists and they're usually in a really good place themselves so they'll indulge your nerd tendencies. You get to dress up and have people admire and comment on your slaved over costume rather than the strange sideways glances you get from people who don't share that particular 'verse. You get to debate the merits and finer points of something you are passionate about with people who may not share your opinion but do share your passion. It's invigorating and enlivening. I really need to get back to organising them again.

However if you are slightly agoraphobic/demophobic then yes they can be overwhelming, you need to ease yourself in, if you can, go to smaller sessions not the big ticket items that are held in main halls and auditoriums, visit the tradestands when big sessions are on so the crowds are much less. Wear a costume that covers you, the whole putting on a mask can actually give you a new persona and is literally something to hide behind if you feel overwhelmed at anytime.

I've always adored going to cons, so I can't recommend them highly enough and I want you to have that pleasure too Red, but you may need to take baby steps if crowds affect you that badly.

author=Red_Nova
Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll see what I can do about this stupid social anxiety.

Introversion exists, and while it seems like society treats it as a bad thing (god help us all in professional settings), just just one of those weird parts about who we are. You probably dislike the idea of conventions simply because the thought of being around a large group of people is taxing to you, and you don't get any satisfaction or "energy" out of talking to people in large groups compared to extroverts.

That being said, conventions aren't inherently bad. Even as a person who GREATLY dislikes crowded areas, I find them fun to attend, and in the Comicon for instance, you get to see all kinds of interesting stuff and people in their funky furry outfits and the likes.