This article explores the intriguing intersection of optical illusions, narcissism, and our cultural obsession with personality-revealing “tests,” using a viral meme as its focal point. It explains how optical illusions—categorized as literal, physiological, or cognitive—reveal the gap between what we see and what’s objectively real, and why this discrepancy captivates us.

The meme in question claims that the number of circles one sees reveals narcissistic tendencies, but while entertaining, it lacks scientific backing. Still, it highlights our deep psychological need to make sense of ourselves quickly and visually, especially in a social media age where perception often outweighs reality.