Are You a Narcissist? The Number of Circles You Spot Might Reveal the Answer – A Deep Dive into the Viral Visual Test
Have you ever wondered if you have narcissistic traits without diving into a long psychological test? A recent viral trend claims that simply counting the number of circles you see in a specific image can reveal whether you lean toward narcissism or not. While this might sound like just another internet gimmick, there’s actually a fascinating layer of psychology behind it that’s worth exploring.
What Is Narcissism, Really?
Before diving into the circle test, it’s important to understand what narcissism means. Narcissism, in psychology, refers to an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. However, not all narcissism is pathological. There’s a spectrum—from healthy confidence to Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).
Psychologists usually identify narcissism through clinical interviews and standardized assessments, but this simple visual test is designed as a playful and engaging way to get people thinking about how they see themselves—and the world.
The Circle Test: How It Works
The image typically consists of overlapping shapes or complex patterns with several embedded circles. The instruction is simple:
How many circles do you see at first glance? Don’t overthink it.
After viewing the image, you’re presented with a number range that supposedly correlates with a personality insight:
If you saw 1–3 circles:
You’re highly focused, practical, and grounded. You don’t get distracted easily, which might suggest lower narcissistic tendencies. You’re likely someone who values clarity and simplicity and doesn’t seek attention for its own sake.
If you saw 4–6 circles:
You balance self-awareness with ambition. You may care how others perceive you, but you don’t let it define you. You have a moderate score on the narcissistic spectrum, showing confidence without being overbearing.
If you saw 7 or more circles:
This may point to heightened self-focus, possibly linked with narcissistic tendencies. You tend to analyze things deeply, sometimes over-interpreting or making yourself the center of events. While this could signal creativity and leadership skills, it might also reflect a strong ego and a desire to stand out.
Is There Any Science Behind It?
While fun and shareable, this type of test isn’t scientific. There’s no peer-reviewed study proving a direct link between counting circles and narcissism. But it does tap into a deeper psychological concept known as projective testing—where people respond to ambiguous stimuli, like inkblots or abstract patterns, in a way that may reflect their subconscious thoughts and personality traits.
One of the oldest forms of this is the Rorschach Inkblot Test, where what someone “sees” in an image can reveal hidden aspects of their personality.
Why Do These Tests Go Viral?
Visual personality tests work because:
- They’re quick and engaging.
- They feel personalized.
- They make people curious about themselves.
- They’re easy to share on social media.
In today’s attention-driven digital world, people are naturally drawn to content that feels both fun and insightful. Whether the results are accurate or not, they make us pause, reflect, and sometimes even spark deeper self-discovery.
Final Thoughts: Narcissist or Not?
If you saw 1 circle or 10, don’t worry—this test is more about sparking introspection than diagnosing mental health. Real narcissism is complex and often requires professional evaluation. However, taking a moment to ask, “How do I see myself and others?” is never a bad thing.
So, how many circles did you spot?
Let the conversation begin—but maybe keep the mirror-checking to a minimum.