The Number of Squares You See Determines If You’re a Narcissist
Have you ever stumbled across one of those optical illusion quizzes online and thought, “This can’t possibly tell me anything about myself”? Well, the internet loves a good personality test—and the latest trend involves something deceptively simple: counting squares.
According to the creators of the test, the number of squares you see in a single image may reveal whether you lean toward narcissistic tendencies. While this might sound like just another viral quiz, the idea taps into deeper questions about perception, attention to detail, and personality. Let’s break it down.
What is the “Number of Squares” Test?
The test is essentially a visual puzzle. You are presented with an image—usually a complex geometric pattern made of overlapping or nested squares. Your task: count how many individual squares you can spot.
At first glance, it seems like a trivial brain exercise, but here’s the twist: psychologists and test creators suggest that how you perceive the image can reveal aspects of your personality, including whether you have narcissistic tendencies.
Fewer squares spotted: Some interpretations suggest a big-picture thinker who focuses more on the overall pattern than the details. This might indicate self-confidence and a strong sense of personal identity.
More squares spotted: Individuals who notice every small square may be more detail-oriented, self-focused, and, according to the test’s authors, possibly show traits associated with narcissism.
It’s important to note that this isn’t a clinical diagnosis. Instead, it’s a fun and intriguing way to explore personality quirks.
The Science (Or Pseudo-Science) Behind It
Why might such a simple test hint at narcissistic tendencies? Here’s the reasoning:
Narcissism, in psychological terms, isn’t just about vanity. It’s about self-focus, attention to detail regarding one’s own interests, and awareness of personal status. People with narcissistic traits tend to notice things that others might overlook—especially if those things relate to themselves.
The square-counting test is believed to tap into visual attention patterns:
People who notice every detail may be more self-focused and analytical.
Those who see fewer squares might have a more holistic view of the image and, by extension, the world around them.
Essentially, it’s less about narcissism in the extreme sense and more about how your brain processes information, detail, and patterns.
How Many Squares Do You See?
Try this exercise (visualize or print a geometric grid of overlapping squares):
Count all the visible squares carefully.
Don’t rush—take your time.
Once you have your number, compare it to the suggested “personality interpretations” online:
5–10 squares: You tend to focus on the bigger picture and are likely empathetic and grounded.
11–20 squares: You’re balanced—detail-oriented but not obsessive, with a healthy sense of self.
21+ squares: You may have strong attention to detail, a perfectionist streak, and traits commonly associated with narcissism, such as self-confidence and assertiveness.
Remember, this is just a lighthearted assessment. There’s no hard rule linking square perception to mental health or personality disorders.
Why This Test Went Viral
People love quick, visual personality tests for several reasons:
Simplicity: It only takes a few seconds to count squares.
Curiosity: Who doesn’t want a little insight into themselves?
Shareability: “How many squares do you see?” is a perfect viral question for social media.
Engagement: Users naturally compare results with friends, sparking discussion and debate.
It’s similar to other classic viral tests, like “Which color do you see first?” or “What do you notice in this picture?” These tests combine fun, competition, and a touch of self-discovery—a recipe for internet virality.
The Psychology of Perception and Personality
Although the “number of squares” test is playful, there is some truth to the connection between perception and personality:
Detail-oriented people often excel in fields like engineering, accounting, and design.
Big-picture thinkers thrive in strategy, leadership, and creative industries.
Self-focused tendencies can manifest in assertiveness, confidence, and attention to personal goals—all traits that sometimes overlap with narcissism.
In other words, what we notice in a visual puzzle may mirror how we approach life: focusing on tiny details or seeing the overall story.
Cautions About Over-Interpreting
Before you panic or start labeling yourself a narcissist based on how many squares you counted, here’s the reality:
It’s not diagnostic: Only a trained psychologist can assess personality disorders.
Results are situational: Your perception might change depending on mood, fatigue, or distractions.
It’s about tendencies, not absolutes: Seeing more squares doesn’t make you “bad” or selfish—it might just mean you have a keen eye for detail.
Think of it like Horoscopes for your visual perception—fun, intriguing, and sometimes surprisingly accurate, but not gospel truth.
Fun Ways to Explore This Test
If you enjoy tests like these, you can turn them into a mini-experiment:
Compare with friends: Count squares and see who spots the most. Notice how each person reacts.
Repeat under different conditions: Try the test when tired, stressed, or relaxed—does your count change?
Combine with other visual tests: Optical illusions, “spot the difference,” and hidden image puzzles all give insights into attention and focus.
Use it as conversation starter: It’s a light, playful way to explore personality with friends or colleagues.
Conclusion: A Fun Lens on Ourselves
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