The image you shared is a popular internet meme that claims the number of squares you can spot in the graphic reveals whether you’re a narcissist. The picture shows a big square (a biscuit/cookie) divided into 9 smaller squares, and the text teases that counting these squares can diagnose narcissistic tendencies.
How many squares are actually there?If you break it down, the grid contains:
1. 9 small individual squares.
2. 4 medium squares (each made of 4 of the small ones).
3. 1 large square (the whole grid itself).
That adds up to 14 squares in total (9 + 4 + 1). Some people also count overlapping combinations, bringing the number to 16 or even 30 if you include every possible sub‑rectangle, but the classic count is 14.
What’s the psychology behind it?The meme plays on the idea of personality quizzes that promise self‑insight. In reality, narcissism is a complex personality trait assessed through validated psychological tests, not through counting shapes in a picture. The fun lies in the engagement—it makes people think about perception, attention to detail, and how we love quick “self‑diagnosis” shortcuts.
Why does it go viral?1. Simplicity: Anyone can try it in seconds.
2. Curiosity: People love to test themselves.
3. Shareability: It’s eye‑catching and meme‑friendly, sparking debates on social media about who’s “narcissistic.”
Bottom lineThe “number of squares” puzzle is just a playful optical trick with no scientific basis for measuring narcissism. It’s a reminder that internet quizzes are usually for entertainment, not for real psychological assessment.
