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Every once in a while, a simple image spreads across social media and turns into a “personality test” that everyone feels compelled to try. This time, it’s a pair of shorts with a question attached:
“How many holes do you see in these shorts determines if you’re a narcissist.”
At first glance, it looks like a fun visual riddle. But like many viral brain teasers, the claim behind it is more entertainment than science.
Let’s break it down logically.
🩳 The Viral Question
The image shows a pair of shorts with visible cut-out holes. The multiple-choice answers suggest:
- A) 2 holes
- B) 5 holes
- C) 7 holes
- D) 9 holes
And the caption tries to link your answer to a personality trait—specifically narcissism.
But here’s the important part:
👉 There is no scientific basis for this claim.
🧠 What This Type of Puzzle Actually Is
This is a classic example of a visual illusion puzzle, not a psychological test.
It works because:
- People count differently based on perspective
- Some include openings, some include layers
- The brain fills in missing visual details automatically
So depending on how you interpret “holes,” you may get different answers—but that difference has nothing to do with personality.
👀 Why People Get Different Answers
The confusion usually comes from how “holes” are defined:
You might count:
- Front openings only
- Both front and back openings
- Fabric cutouts as separate holes
- Or even internal layers depending on interpretation
So two people can look at the same image and honestly arrive at different totals—without either being “right” or “wrong.”
🧠 Does It Really Test Personality?
No.
There is no psychological research linking how someone counts holes in an image to traits like narcissism.
The concept of narcissism is related to Narcissistic Personality Disorder, which is a clinically diagnosed mental health condition involving long-term behavioral patterns—not answers to visual riddles.
These viral posts are designed more for engagement than accuracy.
📱 Why These Posts Go Viral
Content like this spreads quickly because it:
- Creates curiosity (“What does my answer say about me?”)
- Encourages sharing and comparison
- Feels like a game or challenge
- Gives instant participation with no effort
People enjoy quick interactive content, even when it has no real meaning.