Self-fulflling psychology

Personality tests give inaccurate and restrictive representations of one’s personality

by Emily Liu opinions staff

There are many ways in which we can describe ourselves. Some may say that they’re tall or perhaps funny, while others would mention that according to their MBTI, or Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, they’re an extrovert or that a quiz told them they would most identify with a golden retriever. Regardless, we’ve all either taken a test to discover our personality type or have at least dug through the deep recesses of Buzzfeed to understand which pop culture icon we were. Aside from being simply entertaining, people find themselves drawn to these external sources as a means of defining who they are, what they value and how they function. This purpose is misguided, however, as these tests, even the most legitimate, are an inaccurate viewpoint on the intricacies of one’s personality.

The allure of categorizing ourselves under these arbitrary factors stems from an innate aspect of human nature. Individuals struggle to strike the balance between tribalism, or the desire to be a part of a particular group, and individuality. While they wish to be recognized for what makes them unique, they also seek to feel welcome into a select group and understand their role in society. Personality tests simultaneously satisfy both of these desires, and the sense of affiliation based on personality makes them feel less alone in their preferences, which then brings comfort.

Despite what many would like to believe, none of these tests are scientifically or psychologically valid. The assessments are commonly self-reported, meaning they only tell you only what you already believe about yourself, which fails to account for the possibility of self-deception.

The methodology used to create these tests is also internally

Learn more about personality tests

A history on personality quizzes

flawed. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, in particular, is based upon outdated theories for personality, and attempts to assess dualities that don’t really exist. For instance, introversion and extroversion are malleable qualities that cannot be definitively assigned to an individual. Rather, all human traits are context-based and shift as we change and grow over time.

As a result, these personality indicators can be extremely harmful as they breed selective attention, causing the individual to attempt to act in accordance with their type in every situation, while, in different contexts, you will likely act and behave contrary to your label. Although, when your label is regarded as central to who you are, you may not give heed to those instances when the label doesn’t fit.

In truth, personality quizzes and the results they give are merely an counterproductive way to identify and distinguish yourself, and even worse, judge others.

Sources: Digiday, Indiana University Bloomington, Leaders, PubMed, The Guardian, The Myers-Briggs Company, The New Yorker, Vox

Statistics on usage, implementation and accuracy of personality tests

Personality testing is a $2 billion industry, and is projected to grow 15% each year.

MBTI in Employment

89 of the Fortune 100 companies report using MBTI in the hiring process.

89 11

50%

Studies show as many as 50% of people that take the MBTI assessment arrive at a different result the second time, even just fve weeks later.

80 million

2,500 Each year, over people complete a personality test

10,000

2,500 200

7.8 96%

On average, quizzes on Buzzfeed are created per day, and l;ajgw;o of all users who begin a quiz fnish them.