Let’s be real—social media has turned personality quizzes into a fast-paced obsession. We’re constantly being told that the way we see a photo, hear a sound, or pick a shape says something profound about who we are. One of the most recent viral hits? A meme that boldly claims: “The number of circles you see determines if you’re a narcissist.” Sounds wild, right?
But before you panic because you only saw three circles—or pat yourself on the back for spotting twenty—it’s time we take a closer look at what’s really going on behind this illusion and why it’s a bit more fiction than fact.
What This Meme Actually Shows You
The viral meme usually features an image filled with concentric or overlapping circles. The viewer is prompted to quickly count how many they see, and based on that number, they’re given a personality label—usually with a dramatic twist. Fewer circles? You’re a narcissist. More circles? You’re empathetic, balanced, or even “spiritually aware.”
It’s catchy, clickable, and vaguely mysterious. But is there any truth to it?
Optical Illusions Are About Perception—Not Personality
Here’s the deal: optical illusions mess with your brain. They rely on how your eyes and mind process contrast, light, and pattern. These illusions create visual puzzles that confuse our perception of depth, shape, and movement. It’s a fascinating field—and scientists have studied how the brain interprets visual cues for decades.
But seeing more or fewer circles in an image isn’t a hidden key to your soul. It’s a reflection of how your brain prioritizes shapes and contrast, not whether you crave admiration or lack empathy.
Narcissism Is a Complex Clinical Diagnosis, Not a Visual Trick
Let’s clear something up: narcissism is not something you can spot in a meme. At least, not in any meaningful or accurate way.
Video : The psychology of narcissism – W. Keith Campbell
Clinically speaking, Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a serious mental health condition. It involves patterns of grandiosity, a deep need for praise, a lack of empathy, and often, fragile self-esteem underneath the surface. It’s not just being a bit self-absorbed or taking too many selfies. Diagnosing NPD requires psychological assessments, interviews, and the judgment of trained professionals.
So no—your circle count doesn’t diagnose narcissism. And assuming it does? That’s a dangerous oversimplification of mental health.
Why We Fall for Memes Like This One
So if it’s not scientifically valid, why do we find this kind of content so appealing?
The answer lies in a couple of fascinating psychological tendencies:
- The Barnum Effect: We’re all inclined to accept vague, general statements as being uniquely true about ourselves. So when a meme tells you that seeing lots of circles means you’re “deep and emotionally aware,” it feels personal—even if it could apply to just about anyone.
- Confirmation Bias: We love information that supports what we already believe about ourselves. If you’ve been told you’re thoughtful, and the circle count “proves” it? Boom—validation.
These biases make it incredibly easy to believe a meme is offering genuine insight, even if it’s just surface-level fluff.
Quick Personality Content Is Fun—But Often Flawed
In our fast-paced, digital world, we’re constantly drawn to content that gives us instant answers. Think BuzzFeed quizzes, TikTok “personality” filters, or viral Twitter threads. They offer a sense of self-discovery—without the commitment.
But here’s the truth: real personal growth and self-understanding don’t come in the form of one image and a caption. They come from introspection, self-awareness, and sometimes, professional guidance. That meme might be entertaining, but it can’t replace a thoughtful, deeper look at your emotions and behavior.
Narcissist or Not? Let’s Talk Labels and Language
We also need to touch on how we casually throw around labels like “narcissist.” It’s become a go-to insult in online arguments, often used to describe anyone who seems arrogant or self-centered. But when we misuse psychological terms, we trivialize real disorders and contribute to misunderstanding and stigma.
There’s a big difference between someone who’s a bit vain and someone who genuinely struggles with NPD. Blurring the lines doesn’t help anyone—and memes like the circle illusion often add to that confusion.
Video : Why Narcissists Exploit And Laugh At Your Vulnerabilities Guest: KIM SAEED
So, What Should You Do With This Meme?
Enjoy it. Laugh at it. Share it with your friends and debate who saw more circles. But don’t take it as fact. Use it as a jumping-off point for conversation—not a substitute for meaningful self-exploration.
If you’re truly interested in understanding your personality—beyond what a meme can offer—there are evidence-based tools and assessments out there. Even better, a licensed therapist can help you explore patterns, behaviors, and traits with insight, care, and accuracy.
Conclusion: It’s Fun, Not Fact—So Don’t Let a Meme Define You
The internet loves shortcuts to self-discovery. And sure, optical illusions are fascinating. They tell us a lot about how the brain works—but not necessarily how the person works.
The “number of circles” meme is clever, fun, and great for a few minutes of entertainment. But at the end of the day, it’s not a mirror into your soul or a psychological diagnosis.
So next time you see one of these pop up on your feed, take a moment to enjoy the illusion—but remember to separate personality myth from mental health reality. You’re far too complex and interesting to be defined by the number of shapes in a viral image.
