Viral “personality tests” are everywhere—especially ones involving optical illusions. One popular meme claims that the number of circles you see in an image reveals whether you’re a narcissist. This article examines the psychology behind such illusions, the reality of narcissism, and why these quick tests appeal to so many people.
1. Understanding Optical Illusions
Types of illusions
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Literal illusions – Images that differ from the objects creating them (e.g., duck–rabbit illusion).
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Physiological illusions – Caused by overstimulation (e.g., seeing gray spots on a grid).
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Cognitive illusions – Based on mental assumptions (e.g., Müller-Lyer illusion).
Why we’re drawn to illusions
Illusions challenge our understanding of reality and remind us that perception is subjective. This makes them ideal for viral content.
2. The Meme in Context
Why it went viral
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Quick and easy visual check
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Bold claim linking vision to narcissism
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Instant, shareable results
Scientific validity
The meme has no real psychological basis. It oversimplifies narcissism and cannot diagnose personality traits.
3. Defining Narcissism
Clinical narcissism
According to the DSM-5, Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) involves:
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Grandiosity
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Lack of empathy
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Sense of entitlement
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Need for admiration
Colloquial narcissism
In everyday speech, “narcissistic” often means vain or self-centered, but this does not imply NPD.
Risk of oversimplification
Reducing narcissism to a meme trivializes a serious mental health condition.
4. A Brief History of Personality Tests
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Ancient roots – Hippocrates’ four humors theory
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Projective tests – Rorschach Test, Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
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Modern questionnaires – MMPI, MBTI, Big Five Personality Test
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Pop psychology online – Quizzes mixing self-reflection with entertainment (e.g., “What Potato Are You?”)
5. Perception and Personality
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Perception is influenced by mood, attention, and expectations.
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Some correlations exist between personality traits and perception, but not enough to support the meme’s claim.
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Professional personality assessment requires far more than a single visual image.
6. The Circle Illusion Explained
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