What Is This Meme About? This viral meme is deceptively simple.
It usually shows a large square subdivided into smaller squares.
At first glance, you might see 4 or 9 squares—but with closer inspection,
you might count 16, 18, or more, depending on how you interpret overlapping
or nested shapes. Accompanying the image is a bold claim: “The Number
of Squares You See Will Reveal Your Biggest Flaw.” It then offers a breakdown like:
If you see 10 squares, you’re impulsive. If you see 14 squares, you’re too sensitive. If you see 18 squares, you’re arrogant…
The numbers and flaws vary from version to version, but the premise remains:
the way you visually process a shape puzzle supposedly reflects a deep truth
about your personality. It’s easy to understand the appeal. It’s interactive
(you have to count), promises personal insight, and sparks social comparison (“Wait, how many did you see?”)
