Few topics are as captivating to people as quick, visually striking “personality tests” in the vast sea of social media content, memes, and viral posts. You may have been scrolling through your feed when you came across an image with concentric circles and read the bold claim: “The Number of Circles You See Determines If You’re a Narcissist.” You may have stopped to try to count the circles, or you may have shared it with friends to see how they would react. In any event, this specific meme appeals to a strong and timeless human need: the need to comprehend oneself and possibly others.
Why do we place so much trust in a straightforward picture that claims to gauge something as complicated as narcissism? Even while personality tests, such as the “What Kind of Pizza Are You? variation to the more well-known Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, are frequently discussed, thus it is worthwhile to pose this query. The nature of optical illusions, the psychological concept of narcissism, and the general societal preoccupation with quick-and-easy “tests” that claim to reveal our true selves are all thoroughly examined in this essay. The meme in question is ultimately more amusement than actuality, as we shall discover. However, it provides insight into human perception, how delusions can deceive us, and why we are so willing to think that an image could reveal our deepest characteristics.
We can learn more about how illusions interact with human psychology and why the topic of narcissism is so fascinating in our contemporary, image-conscious world by looking at the origin, context, and implications of this viral meme.
2. Knowing About Optical Illustions
is helpful to have a basic understanding of optical illusions before delving into the details of this circle meme. For millennia, optical illusions have captivated people’s attention and shed light on how our brains interpret visual stimuli. These illusions arise when our brain’s interpretation of the forms, lines, and colours we see doesn’t match the external reality. As a result, we frequently have unexpected or perplexing experiences when we perceive things that are inconsistent with objective reality.
2.1 Optical Illusion Types
Optical illusions fall into a number of general categories, including:
Images that are different from the things that produce them are known as literal illusions. An illustration of a figure that appears to be a duck from one angle and a rabbit from another is a classic example. The picture is actually unclear.
When the eyes or brain are overstimulated by brightness, colour, size, location, or movement, physiological illusions occur. The “grid illusion,” in which grey patches appear at the intersections of a black-and-white grid, is a well-known example.
Cognitive Illusions: These depend on our unintentional assumptions about the outside world. The Müller-Lyer illusion is one example, in which two lines of similar length appear to differ due to the arrow-like tails at their ends.
2.2 Why Illusions Appeal to Us
Illusions appeal to us because they make us reevaluate how we perceive the world. They serve as a reminder that our brains actively interpret sensory data rather than just recording what is “out there.” We spread illusions widely and talk about them with friends because it is both exciting and unnerving to think that something as fundamental as vision may be “tricked.” An optical illusion that purports to disclose something about our personalities may be especially alluring because of this fascination.
3. The Meme in Context:
“You Can Tell If You’re a Narcissist Based on How Many Circles You See”
It is a picture of concentric circles with the phrase, which basically reads: “The Number of Circles You See Determines If You’re a Narcissist.” The design is simple: several white circles on a black background with a tiny circle or dot close to the bottom-right. The idea is that your perception of the number of circles—whether you see a single large circle, several smaller ones, or another count—correlates in some way with your level of narcissism.
3.1 The Appeal of Viral Content
This meme has a lot of powerful components that make it ideal for getting viral:
Simplicity: It’s merely a circular image. In a moment, everyone can view it.
Bold Claim: It is intriguing and interesting to attribute the illusion to narcissism.
Instant Feedback: By viewing the image, people can “test” themselves right away.
Shareability: It’s simple to invite friends to try psychological tests or illusions.
3.2 Is There Any Scientific Foundation for It?
In a nutshell, no, not in the sense that the quantity of circles you observe is a reliable indicator of narcissism. As we shall go over in greater detail, narcissism is a complicated personality trait that needs to be carefully evaluated. Similar to those illusions when you see one shape and then someone points out another that you didn’t notice before, and your perception abruptly changes, this meme is more of an amusing trick. Although it’s fascinating, it doesn’t identify personality problems.
The meme does, however, touch on a more general phenomenon: the notion that personality may be inferred from illusions. Some projective tests have been applied in therapeutic contexts, such as the well-known Rorschach Inkblot Test. These, however, are contentious and employ certain techniques that go well beyond a cursory look at a picture. The idea is greatly oversimplified in this meme.
4. Comparing Clinical and Colloquial Definitions of Narcissism
Understanding what narcissism is and the distinction between a clinical definition and the term’s everyday usage is necessary to fully appreciate the meme’s assertion.
4.1 Narcissistic Behaviour
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), which is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), is linked to narcissism in clinical psychology. Important traits consist of:
An extravagant feeling of one’s own significance
An obsession with idealised love, success, power, or brilliance
An overwhelming craving for adoration
An attitude of entitlement
Behaviour that is exploitative of others
Absence of compassion
Being jealous of someone else or thinking that someone else is jealous of you
Haughty, conceited actions or dispositions
A person must display a consistent pattern of these characteristics in several circumstances, causing a substantial impairment in their personal or professional life, in order to be diagnosed with NPD.
4.2 Narcissism in Conversation
In casual conversation, we frequently label someone as “narcissistic” if they seem conceited, egotistical, or fixated on their accomplishments and looks. The phrase can be used broadly whenever someone talks about oneself all the time or shares too many selfies. Although some people who engage in these behaviours may exhibit narcissistic features, this does not imply that they fit the criteria for NPD.
4.3 The Risk of Excessive Simplicity
The meme’s claim that a circle-based optical illusion may tell you if you’re a narcissist is an oversimplification of a really intricate psychological concept. This is not to argue that tests or illusions can’t be entertaining or lead to thought-provoking discussions. However, it’s important to keep in mind that identifying someone as narcissistic or even diagnosing them needs much more than just counting circles.
5. A Synopsis of Projective Measures and Personality Tests
The circle meme has roots in the larger framework of projective tests and personality assessments, which have long captivated both professionals and the general public, despite the fact that it is clearly not a valid psychological tool.
5.1 Initiation
Hippocrates’ idea of the four humours is one of the oldest examples of “personality testing” that dates back to the ancient Greeks. It established the idea that internal inclinations might be identified by observation, albeit in a crude manner, even though it was not a “illusion.”
5.2 Tests of Projectivity
In the early 1900s, projective tests were popular. These consist of:
Rorschach Inkblot Test: People decipher unclear inkblots to uncover hidden feelings and mental processes.
According to the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), people make up stories regarding ambiguous images by supposedly putting their innermost wants and conflicts onto the story.
Bypassing conscious defences, these exams seek to access deeper psychological layers. Despite their widespread use, they are also very contentious, with some contesting their validity and dependability.
5.3 Growing Adoption of Personality Tests
More structured assessments, such the Big Five Personality Test (which measures neuroticism, agreeableness, extraversion, conscientiousness, and openness), the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), appeared in the second half of the 20th century. These tools have their own set of criticisms, but they are based on systematic questions rather than illusions.
5.4 Online tests and pop psychology
A new era of short, entertaining, and frequently scientifically questionable quizzes was brought forth by the internet. “Which House Are You in at Hogwarts?” “to “What Sort of Potato Do You Have? These tests are less about objective psychological assessment and more about amusement and introspection. Even though it isn’t referred to as a “quiz,” the circular meme fits neatly into this tradition.
6. How Personality Could Be Reflected in Perception
The circle meme’s central tenet is that your identity can be revealed by your perceptions. Does this concept have a scientific foundation? The response is complex.
6.1 The Constructive Process of Perception
Our brains create our visual reality by combining existing sensory information with past knowledge; perception is not passive. Individual variations in focus, attention, and even mood might affect our perception of complicated or ambiguous visuals.
6.2 How Perception Is Affected by Personality
According to some research, personality factors may have a minor impact on our interpretation of ambiguous inputs. People with high levels of neuroticism, for instance, may be more prone to see potentially dangerous features in unclear imagery. However, unlike a random circle meme on social media, these associations are typically minor, and the stimuli are typically carefully selected for controlled trials.
6.3 The Boundaries of One Picture
To make any inferences about personality, even in professional contexts, a number of assessments and observations are required. It is unlikely that a quick look at an optical illusion will be a reliable indicator of narcissism—or any other characteristic. The assertion made by the circle meme is less of a scientifically supported strategy and more of a fun party trick.
7. Analysing the “Circle Illusion” in Detail
Now let’s examine the particular image that inspired the meme in more detail. It displays several concentric rings, each of which has a common centre. Depending on your level of focus, you may notice:
A Single Circle: You may see the entire image as a single large shape with a dot close to the edge if your attention is focused on the outermost circle.
Multiple Concentric Circles: Counting seven, eight, or more circles may be possible if you pay close attention.
A Big Circle with a Small Circle: Some people may perceive the outside ring as one circle and the centre ring as another, and so on.
Depending on the version of the meme that is going around, the precise numbers may differ, but the meme usually states something like this: “If you see X number of circles, you’re normal, but if you see Y number of circles, you’re a narcissist.” It is frequently designed to provoke interest or a response—people want to know if they “passed” or if they should be concerned.
7.1 What’s Actually Taking Place?
This means that depending on your attention, focus, and possibly even the size of your screen or the device you’re using, you may see the image differently. You could find it more difficult to identify each ring on a small phone screen than someone looking at it on a larger monitor. What you see depends on a number of factors, including screen brightness, lighting, and even how fast you scroll past the image.
These characteristics do not all point to narcissism. Simply put, they are peculiarities of visual processing.
8. Expectation, Suggestion, and Cognitive Bias: Their Roles
The power of suggestion is a major factor in why individuals might be tempted to believe this idea. We can seek confirmation when someone tells us that a particular perspective reveals something about our personalities. Several well-known cognitive biases are connected to this:
8.1 Bias in Confirmation
The propensity to look for, evaluate, and retain information that supports one’s beliefs is known as confirmation bias. You might see fewer circles if you think you might be a little self-centred, read the meme’s explanation, and decide, “Yes, this confirms I’m narcissistic.” On the other hand, if you see multiple circles and the meme says you’re empathetic, you might gladly accept it as evidence of your generosity.
8.2 The Effect of Barnum
The tendency for people to accept general, ambiguous remarks as specifically pertinent to themselves is known as the Barnum Effect. Regardless of their true personality attributes, many people may believe that a meme that reads, “If you see 8 circles, you’re a natural leader who cares about others but also has high self-esteem,” applies to them.
8.3 The Influence of Trending Labels
Labels can have a significant impact in a social media setting. An image takes advantage of the human tendency to categorise and label when it suggests that you are “altruistic” or “narcissistic” just on a cursory look. Even if these labels are based only on an attention-grabbing title, they have the potential to stick.
9. Typical Myths and Misconceptions
Regarding Personality and Optical Illusions
Let’s take a look at some prevalent misconceptions:
Myth: “Your personality is revealed if an optical illusion appears a certain way to you.”
Reality: Generally speaking, optical illusions tell us more about how the human eye processes information than they do about your personal characteristics.
Myth: “The Rorschach Inkblot and other projective tests are infallible in identifying mental health issues.”
Reality: These tests are debatable, and any examination of personality or mental health typically calls for a variety of testing techniques.
Myth: “If you notice something that your friends do not, there is a problem with you.”
Reality: Perception variations across individuals are common and frequently impacted by attention, context, and other variables unrelated to personality.
Myth: “A comprehensive psychological evaluation can be replaced by a quick look at an illusion.”
Reality: Professional judgement, validated questionnaires, and structured interviews are necessary for clinical evaluations.
10. Virality, social media, and the proliferation of psychological “quizzes”
There are many tests, memes, and illusions on the internet that claim to disclose profound truths about our identities. Considering how widely available and shareable such content may be, this behaviour is not surprising. You can share the information with hundreds or thousands of individuals with only a single button click.
10.1 The Allure of Fast Responses
Life in the modern world can be busy. Many of us long for shortcuts, particularly in the area of self-awareness. It’s tempting to think that we can discover something significant about ourselves in a matter of seconds. This appeal is increased by social media, which provides us with instant peer feedback in the form of shares, likes, and comments.
10.2 Algorithms’ Function
Algorithms are used by social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to promote engaging content. Particularly captivating are illusions and quizzes, which entice visitors to stay, leave comments, and share. Because of this high level of involvement, the algorithms are more likely to promote this kind of material to a larger audience, which feeds back into itself.
10.3 The Potential for False Information
The drawback is that false information regarding personality and mental health can be readily disseminated by such content. Even though it’s typically innocent fun, it occasionally trivialises serious psychological problems or spreads false information about how they’re diagnosed.
11. A Cultural View of Narcissism in the Modern World
The concept of narcissism has become very popular, particularly in the age of social media and selfies. By citing the growth of influencer culture, personal branding, and continual online self-promotion, numerous writers and commentators have claimed that we are living in an era of increased narcissism.
11.1 Narcissism, Social Media, and Selfies
Having a social media profile or taking selfies does not automatically indicate narcissism. The question of whether a persistent demand for approval from likes and comments breeds narcissistic tendencies is still up for debate, though. Though correlation does not always imply causation, researchers have discovered links between excessive social media use and specific self-focused behaviours.
11.2 Adequate Self-Esteem vs Adverse Narcissism
In many respects, society promotes a certain amount of “healthy narcissism”—the conviction, self-assurance, and drive to project a positive image of oneself. Extreme self-focus can cause issues, harm relationships, and result in exploitative behaviour. By appealing to our fear of being called narcissists, the meme takes advantage of the widespread concern surrounding being “too self-involved.”
12. The Science of Online Personality Tests and Their Pseudoscience
Between true self-reflection tools and pure pseudoscience, online personality tests fall somewhere in the middle. Many quizzes are not based on reliable psychological models, but others are.
12.1 Personality Typing’s Allure
Like everything else, we like to classify ourselves. Personality tests provide us with tidy classifications that might be reassuring or illuminating. The name can help us express how we see ourselves, regardless of whether we are classified as “The Advocate” in the MBTI system or a “Red” personality in a color-based test.
12.2 The Validity Issue
If a test measures what it is supposed to measure, it is said to be valid. Numerous online tests fall short of fundamental psychological assessment standards, such as:
Reliability: Results that hold up over time.
Construct validity is the degree to which the test actually assesses the characteristic it purports to assess.
Whether the exam can forecast actual results is known as predictive validity.
There is no proven truth or reliability for something like the circle meme; it is just an optical illusion that has been used for clickbait.
13. Past the Meme: Verified Signs of Narcissistic Attitudes
What should you check for if you’re truly worried about narcissism, in yourself or someone else? Although self-diagnosis is never a good idea, the following attitudes and behaviours are frequently linked to narcissistic traits:
Persistently looking for compliments, begging for praise, and getting upset if they aren’t acknowledged are all signs of a chronic need for admiration.
Lack of Empathy: The inability to comprehend or care about the emotions of others.
Grandiosity: An exaggerated sense of significance, a sensation of being “special” or different from others.
Entitlement: Demanding favourable treatment or cooperation from people without expecting anything in return.
Interpersonal exploitation is the practice of using other people to further one’s own objectives.
Arrogance: Exhibiting a smug or contemptuous demeanour.
These markers are more significant than the number of circles in a picture. However, only a trained mental health practitioner can accurately assess these characteristics in the given setting.
14. The Difference Between Pathological and Healthy Narcissism
Making the distinction between pathological and healthy narcissism is also crucial. Aspects of healthy narcissism include assertiveness, resilience, and self-confidence. When it is severe, widespread, and results in substantial suffering or functional impairment, it turns into a pathological condition.
14.1 Juggling Empathy and Self-Interest
Everybody has times when they put their own wants first, but it doesn’t always imply they’re narcissistic. Self-focus and other-focus can alternate in healthy personalities. Pathological narcissists find it difficult to understand other people’s viewpoints, sustain wholesome relationships, or empathise.
14.2 Cultural Factors
Individual success and self-expression may be valued more in some cultures than others, which may come across to outsiders as narcissistic. Sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish between abnormal behaviour and cultural norms, which highlights the importance of rigorous, context-sensitive assessment.
15. Why Personality “Tests” Are Loved (and Hated)
We have long been interested in personality tests, from the Rorschach to BuzzFeed. Why is that?
Self-Discovery: We long for knowledge of our identity.
Validation: We enjoy being given labels that are “positive” and uplift us.
Social Bonding: Disseminating quiz results can promote relationships, start discussions, and even lead to healthy rivalry.
Simplicity: Regardless of its accuracy, a quiz provides a clear, easy-to-understand response to the complicated questions of life.
However, many of us are aware that these tests are oversimplified and can result in shallow judgements or preconceptions.
16. A Look at Ethical and Psychological Issues
The circle meme raises more general concerns about how we talk about personality and mental health online, despite the fact that it is mostly harmless fun.
16.1 The stigmatisation of
Mental health disorders may become stigmatised if someone is called a “narcissist” based on a meme. Memes that are too simplistic may trivialise or distort the difficulties that people with narcissistic personality disorder already face when trying to get care.
16.2 Complex Disorders Are Oversimplified
Genetics, upbringing, trauma, and other variables interact intricately in serious personality disorders. Reducing them to an illusion test can cause negative misconceptions in addition to misleading the public.
16.3 Information Privacy and Consent
Users are frequently asked to divulge data or personal information in order to take online tests. Many other “tests,” often without explicit disclosure, gather data, but the circle meme doesn’t. Users should always use caution while disclosing personal information.
17. What Actually Influences How We See Things?
The fundamental idea behind the circle meme is perception: how many circles do you see? What matters more, though, is why we see what we do and how it relates to our identities.
17.1 Brain Processing and Sensory Input
Light reflected from objects is captured by our eyes and transformed into brain impulses. The visual cortex receives and processes these signals. Illusions may result from the rules, heuristics, and shortcuts our brains employ along the route.
17.2 Context and Attention
If we’re distracted or scrolling quickly, we might “see” fewer circles. Context is important. You might spend more time meticulously counting circles if you were informed in advance that the image assesses your attention to detail. Your perception may change as a result of this attentional shift.
17.3 Styles of Thinking
Some people approach visual information more holistically, while others are more detail-oriented. Although neither type is necessarily associated with narcissism, it can account for variations in our perceptions of illusions.
18. The Illusion of the Illusion: A Conclusion
It’s normal to be intrigued when you first see the meme that claims, “The Number of Circles You See Determines If You’re a Narcissist.” After all, the assertion is audacious, and optical illusions are entertaining. The reality, however, is much more complex—and, in some respects, more fascinating—as we have examined in this lengthy piece.
Rather than concealing aspects of our personalities, optical illusions show the intricacies of our visual systems.
One look at a meme is insufficient to gauge narcissism, a complex personality trait (and possible disease).
Some personality tests have a scientific basis, while many do not. Without a doubt, the circular meme falls within the “not” category.
Memes like this one go viral because of social media’s ability to magnify and propagate easily assimilated content.
Cognitive Biases: Our fascination with such illusions is fuelled by confirmation bias, the Barnum Effect, and the desire for instant answers.
A vital tool for navigating the sea of viral memes and online tests, particularly those that purport to disclose psychological truths, is healthy scepticism.
In the end, rather than being a true diagnostic tool, the circle meme is better regarded as a discussion starter or temporary distraction. It appeals to our shared interest in personality and illusions, but like many online memes, it simplifies intricate psychological concepts in order to gain popularity.
How many circles, then, did you notice? The response won’t identify you as a narcissist, but it may reveal something about your attention span, visual processing, or even screen brightness. Rather, view the meme as a light-hearted reminder that human perception is incredibly complex and that our personalities are too complex and multidimensional to be adequately conveyed by a single image.
Ultimately, the true lesson is about the illusion of the illusion: the notion that our identities can be determined by a simple online test. Even if we may wish for a fleeting glimpse into our most profound characteristics, genuine self-awareness requires constant reflection, an open mind, and, when necessary, the assistance of qualified experts. Instead of being a prison of labels, let the circles serve as a doorway to inquiry. The next time you come across a meme that purports to instantly disclose your personality, take pleasure in it for what it is: a light-hearted mental trick. At the same time, remember the larger picture of what really influences our identities, ideas, and actions.
Concluding Remark
No single test, particularly one that is based on a widely shared meme, can reliably assess your personality or mental health. Consult a professional if you are worried about narcissism or any other psychological problem. Because mental health is complicated, it is worth far more than a fleeting look at a social media optical illusion. We can have fun without being duped if we approach these memes with both curiosity and critical thought.