Skip to content 
Social media is once again buzzing with a new optical illusion that claims to reveal something about your personality based on a simple visual test. The challenge is being shared widely with captions like: “Your narcissism is determined by the number of circles you observe.” Many versions of the post add dramatic wording and encourage users to compare results in the comments.
In the image being circulated, viewers are asked to count how many circles they can see. According to the claim, the number you identify can supposedly reflect certain personality traits, including levels of narcissism. In this particular version, users often report seeing nine circles in total.
But before jumping to conclusions about what this means, it’s important to understand what this kind of post really is—and what it is not.
This illusion-style content is part of a popular online trend where simple visual puzzles are paired with bold psychological claims. These posts often suggest that your perception of an image can reveal hidden truths about your personality, intelligence, or emotional tendencies. While they are entertaining, they are not based on any verified psychological science.
The idea that the number of circles you see can measure narcissism is not supported by clinical psychology or any established diagnostic method. Narcissism, in a psychological context, is a complex personality trait studied through structured assessments and behavioral patterns, not quick visual tests shared online.
In reality, what determines how many circles a person sees in this type of illusion usually comes down to visual perception, not personality. Several factors can influence the result, including:
- How closely a person examines the image
- Whether they focus on patterns or the overall structure
- Lighting, screen quality, and visual attention
- Individual differences in perception and interpretation
This means that two people with very different personalities may still see the exact same number of circles—or completely different results—without it reflecting anything meaningful about their character.