The craze for this meme is easily explained.
This visual enigma combines all the characteristics of an internet phenomenon:
Its test is immediate.
It suggests personal introspection (narcissism, a theme that is both sensitive and captivating).
It lends itself perfectly to social exchanges (“Tell me, how many circles can you distinguish?”).
But behind its apparent lightness, let us remember the essential point: a viral meme is in no way a validated psychological study.
What do we really mean by narcissism?
The term “narcissistic” is often misused – whenever someone posts numerous self-portraits or centers the conversation on themselves. However, in psychiatry, pathological narcissism refers to a specific disorder characterized by:
