The Number of Squares You See Determines If You’re a Narcissist — Or Do They?
Psychological tests and visual puzzles have a long history of claiming to reveal hidden truths about our personality. One recent trend involves a simple optical illusion: a grid of overlapping lines and shapes where the number of squares you spot supposedly indicates your level of narcissism.
But what’s really going on behind this intriguing test? Let’s break it down.
How the Test Works
The image usually contains multiple squares, some obvious and some harder to spot. Participants are asked:
- “How many squares do you see?”
Then the results are interpreted like this (in popular online versions):
- Few squares: Low narcissistic traits; more modest, selfless
- Moderate number of squares: Balanced personality; socially aware
- Many squares: High narcissistic tendencies; self-focused, confident
The idea is that the more squares you see, the more attuned you are to patterns, which supposedly correlates with narcissistic thinking.
Why It Seems Convincing
- Pattern recognition: People who notice subtle details are often seen as more observant, alert, or self-aware.
- Confidence in answers: Those who quickly assert they see “everything” may appear self-assured, a trait linked to narcissism.
- Social reinforcement: Online quizzes amplify this by providing entertaining, relatable results.
What Psychology Really Says
While this test is fun, psychologists caution that:
- Spotting squares does not measure narcissism reliably
- Personality traits like narcissism require long-form questionnaires and clinical assessment
- Optical illusions mostly measure visual perception, attention to detail, and cognitive style, not morality or ego
In other words, seeing more squares says more about your perception skills than your personality.
Why People Love These Tests
- They’re quick, visual, and easy
- They feel like a “secret insight” into your personality
- Sharing results online creates social connection and amusement
Even though they’re not scientifically valid, they spark curiosity and conversation—which is why they remain popular.
How to Approach It
- Treat it as entertaining, not diagnostic
- Observe whether you notice details quickly or slowly
- Compare with friends for fun, but don’t take it as truth about your ego
The Bottom Line
The “number of squares you see” illusion is a playful way to challenge your visual perception—and maybe your confidence—but it cannot accurately measure narcissism. It’s a fun reminder that the brain can see things differently, and that perception and personality are not the same thing.
