A viral meme claims that “The Number of Squares You See Will Reveal Your Biggest Flaw.” It asks viewers to count squares in a grid, then matches their total to a flaw—like being impulsive or arrogant. It’s fun, shareable, and taps into our desire for quick self-discovery.

But does it actually reveal anything real about you? Not likely.

As the article explains, “the leap from ‘how many squares’ to ‘your biggest flaw’ is a giant one—and not one supported by actual psychological science.” These visual puzzles are rooted in optical illusions, not personality tests. Gestalt psychology shows how our brain fills in gaps, making us see more shapes than are truly outlined.

So why do we fall for it? “We’re not just counting shapes; we’re supposedly peering into our own psyche.” These memes offer the illusion of insight, but real personality is complex. Traits shift based on context and can’t be revealed by a simple image.

Ultimately, the meme is just that—a meme. “While the meme can be a fun distraction, it is hardly a substitute for meaningful self-reflection or legitimate psychological insight.”