The “circle counting” personality test is a viral optical illusion that claims the number of circles you see can reveal whether you are a narcissist. The image usually contains overlapping circles in a pattern, and people are asked to count how many they can find. Social media posts often attach bold interpretations to the results, suggesting that simple visual perception can uncover deeper personality traits.

The test typically says something like: if you see fewer circles, you may have narcissistic tendencies; if you see more circles, you are emotionally aware or empathetic; and if you see all of them quickly, you are highly perceptive or intelligent. The exact wording can vary depending on the version shared online, but the overall idea is the same — that how you see the image reflects something meaningful about your character.

However, there is no scientific evidence supporting these claims. Narcissism is a complex personality trait that exists on a spectrum and, in some cases, can be diagnosed as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) by trained mental health professionals using structured clinical assessments. It cannot be determined through a visual puzzle or an internet test.

In reality, optical illusions like this reflect how the brain processes visual information rather than personality traits. Factors such as attention to detail, pattern recognition, and how the brain groups shapes influence what people see. While these tests are entertaining and often go viral, they are best understood as fun brain teasers rather than reliable psychological evaluations.