A viral image claims the number of circles you see in an optical illusion determines whether you’re a narcissist. Sounds intriguing, right? Unfortunately, it’s also completely unfounded.
Optical illusions reveal how our brains interpret visual data, not our personalities. The circle meme preys on our curiosity about quick psychological insights, but narcissism—whether as a trait or a disorder—is far more nuanced. Clinically, it involves long-term patterns of behavior, not a split-second reaction to an image.
That’s not to say the meme isn’t fun. Like horoscopes or “Which Disney Princess Are You?” quizzes, it’s a harmless diversion. But if you’re genuinely concerned about narcissistic tendencies, a licensed therapist will give you better answers than a social media illusion.
