The Number Of Triangles You See Determines If You’re A Narcissist – Optical Illusion Explained
The internet is obsessed with personality tests, but few have gone as viral as the image that claims “The number of triangles you see determines if you’re a narcissist.” At first glance, it looks like a simple geometric puzzle. But according to social media, what you notice first may reveal deep truths about your personality, your ego, and even how you see yourself compared to others.
So… is it real? Or just another viral mind trick? Let’s break it down
What Is the Triangle Optical Illusion
The image usually shows a complex shape made of overlapping lines that form multiple triangles of different sizes. Some people immediately spot a small number of triangles. Others keep counting and find far more than expected.
This illusion works because the brain doesn’t see objectively. Instead, it filters information based on attention, perception, and mental habits.
That’s where the personality claim comes in.
What Your Triangle Count “Says” About You
Important note: This is not a scientific diagnosis. It’s a fun psychological illusion inspired by perception studies, not clinical psychology.
Seeing a Small Number of Triangles (5–7)
If you quickly saw only a few triangles:
- You tend to focus on the big picture
- You don’t overanalyze details
- You may have strong self-confidence
- Some interpretations label this as narcissistic traits
Why? Because confident or ego-driven personalities often process information quickly and selectively, stopping once they feel certain.
This does NOT mean you are a narcissist in a clinical sense. It suggests decisiveness and self-assurance.
Seeing a Medium Number of Triangles (8–12)
If you counted a moderate amount:
- You balance logic and intuition
- You’re detail-aware but not obsessive
- You tend to question first impressions
- You are socially adaptable
This group is often described as emotionally intelligent and realistic.
Seeing a Large Number of Triangles (13+)
If you kept counting and found many hidden triangles:
- You are highly detail-oriented
- You may overthink
- You question everything
- You are sensitive to mistakes (yours and others’)
According to viral interpretations, this group is least narcissistic, because narcissistic personalities rarely doubt their first answer.
Is Narcissism Really About What You See?
Short answer: No.
True narcissism (NPD) involves:
- Lack of empathy
- Need for admiration
- Manipulative behavior
- Inflated sense of self-importance
You cannot diagnose narcissism from an optical illusion.
But perception tests can reflect:
- Attention style
- Cognitive habits
- How quickly you settle on conclusions