Well there are many different types of social phobias, the underlying problem is usually the same.  In a nutshell, the problem is socially anxious people are neurotically uncomfortable around others.  Sometimes this makes the anxious person act mean to cover up the uncomfortableness and take the stress off him/her since nobody will want to interact with a mean person.

The anxious part of social anxiety is the want the sufferer has to run away from all social situations.  This can bring about a great deal of anxiety and even panic when a socially anxious person even thinks about being with others!

Hermits are almost always people who suffer from social anxiety.
photo credit: camophoto

Here is a post from the blog Stop Anxiety Stop Panic. Come visit and learn how to deal with and defeat anxiety and panic disorder.

Social Phobias