But Do These Tests Reveal Narcissism?
Short answer: No.
Seeing more or fewer circles in an image does not indicate narcissistic personality traits.
Narcissism is a complex psychological pattern involving:
- A need for admiration
- A lack of empathy
- A sense of superiority
- Difficulty handling criticism
None of these can be measured by a visual illusion.
Actual psychological assessments use validated questionnaires and clinical interviews—not optical puzzles.
What Your Answer Might Reveal
While it cannot diagnose narcissism, the number of circles you notice can hint at aspects of your visual processing style:
• Seeing fewer circles
You may focus more on the big picture rather than small details.
• Seeing many circles
You may be more attentive to fine details or patterns.
But these tendencies vary from moment to moment and don’t define personality disorders.
Why These Myths Spread
Psychologists say people enjoy simple explanations for complex traits.
The idea that “how many circles you see = your true personality” fits perfectly into the fast-paced, low-effort style of online content.
It’s appealing, but not accurate.
So… Are You a Narcissist?
If you’re asking the question at all, the answer is almost certainly no.
True narcissists rarely doubt themselves enough to wonder.
The circle test is just a fun visual illusion, not a psychological diagnosis. Enjoy it for entertainment—but don’t take it too seriously.
Final Thoughts
The viral circle-counting puzzle is great for sparking fun conversations and comparing results with friends, but it doesn’t reveal deep personality traits and certainly can’t diagnose narcissism.
Take it lightly, share it freely, and remember: your personality is far more complex than any optical illusion can capture.
