Are you a narcissist? The number of circles you see could reveal it.

We all love a good personality quiz. From inkblots to “Which Disney villain are you?” tests, there’s something irresistible about peering into the mirror of psychology – especially when it promises to reveal something surprising about ourselves. But what if a simple visual illusion could tell you whether you lean toward narcissism?

A new viral image challenge claims to do just that: “Count the circles – and uncover your ego.” It’s been making the rounds online, catching fire for its strange accuracy and psychological bite.

But before you jump to conclusions about your personality, let’s break down the science behind the trend – and explore what this peculiar “recipe” for self-revelation is really all about.

🌀 The Optical Illusion That Started It All

The image is deceptively simple: a series of overlapping shapes and patterns. At first glance, it looks like abstract art – but look again. The more you focus, the more circles you begin to see.

Some people see just 4 or 5 circles.

Others see 10, 12, even 16.

And here’s where it gets interesting: your answer might hint at traits associated with narcissistic thinking.

🧠 The Psychology Behind the Circles

The illusion plays on visual perception and cognitive focus. Research suggests that narcissists tend to process visual and social information differently. They’re more likely to zero in on themselves and miss subtle cues in their environment – including patterns that require patience or holistic thinking to detect.

In short:

If you only see a few circles, you might be more self-focused, impatient, or prone to “tunnel vision.”
If you see many circles, it suggests you’re more observant, open-minded, and tuned into nuance – traits that contrast with narcissistic tendencies.

Psychologist Dr. Elena Marsh, who studies personality disorders and visual cognition, explains:

“This kind of illusion doesn’t diagnose narcissism, of course – but it can highlight how someone’s brain filters information. A person with narcissistic traits often filters out anything that doesn’t directly involve or benefit them.”

🍳 A Recipe for Reflection: Ingredients for Understanding Yourself

So, what does this have to do with a recipe? Think of it like this:

🔍 Self-Awareness Recipe

Ingredients:

1 puzzling image
A dash of curiosity
2 tablespoons of honest reflection
A pinch of humility
Optional: a friend to compare notes with

Instructions:

Stare at the image. Count how many circles you see.
Write down the number – and your initial gut reaction.
Ask yourself: Did you feel rushed? Frustrated? Confident?
Share with a friend – compare your numbers and reactions.
Reflect: How do you handle ambiguity in real life? Are you often quick to judge or do you seek the bigger picture?

💡 **What It Really Means**

This trend is less about labeling people as narcissists and more about sparking a conversation about how we perceive the world. Our biases, focus, and emotional filters shape more than just our vision – they shape our relationships, our decisions, and our growth.

So, whether you saw 4 circles or 14, the real question is: Are you willing to look deeper?

🖼️ Want to Try It?

Include the illusion in your post or search for “narcissist circle illusion” to take the test yourself.

And remember: just like any recipe, self-awareness takes time, practice, and a willingness to adjust the flavor.