Some viewers insist they spot far more squares than the image actually contains, while others swear the puzzle seems to shift depending on the angle. A few online commenters even believe the picture was purposely edited to stir reactions—leaving many to wonder whether this square challenge hides deeper meaning or is simply another viral illusion designed to make you second-guess yourself.
What the Number of Squares You See Says About Your Perception Style
At first glance, the grid looks simple—almost like a cookie pattern or a notebook doodle. But the question tied to it, “The number of squares you see determines if you’re a narcissist,” has exploded across social media, turning it into a playful debate about how we perceive things. While it’s not a real psychological test, it does shine light on your observation style and how your brain organizes visual information.
Step One: Count the Squares
Take a steady look at the image.
Most people immediately notice nine small squares. Look closer and you might find four medium squares created by combining the small ones—and finally, the single large square surrounding them all. Altogether, the puzzle contains 14 squares. If you spotted each one, you likely have strong pattern-recognition skills and a keen sense of detail.
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