Have you ever wondered what your personality type is? Whether you’re an introvert, an extrovert, a creative, analytical, or something in between? Well, look no further than the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) for your inquiries!
The only problem? Personality tests like the MBTI aren’t 100% accurate for measuring your personality. Personality is subjective in nature — relying on personal interpretation and individual perception. Of course, there are exceptions when personality traits can be objectively measured, such as the Big Five, which can be observed and tracked through consistent testing, but tests like the MBTI are subject to three major flaws: manipulation, inauthenticity, and unreliability.
Manipulation truly ruins the charm and introspectiveness of these tests, and worst of all, makes them reek of inauthenticity. It’s not crazy to assume everybody has cheated on a test at least once in their lifetime. Math test, science test, history, English, etc. — but usually when we think of cheating on an exam, we think of it in academic terms, not psychological ones. Some would argue that manipulation isn’t cheating, but in this sense, it very much is. You cheat to get what you want to see out of something. Similarly, you manipulate something for the same gain, to see what you want to see. The same can be applied to these tests. Many participants tend to, whether unaware or not, skew their responses in order to appear more socially desirable. When this occurs, the results are no longer an accurate reflection of one’s personality and overall eliminates the whole purpose the test was designed in the first place.
Another problem is that once people receive their results, they tend to hyperfixate on the qualities associated with their assigned personality. Kind of ironic, right? Individuals take the test, get their result, and for some strange reason, try to mold themselves into the picture-perfect example of said personality type. Or even worse, in the case that they did manipulate their answers, they try to pretend something they’re not (If you’ve ever seen an introvert try to act like an extrovert, and vice versa, you’ll know what I mean). Not only does this type of conformity encourage a manufactured mindset, but it also harms personal growth and oversimplifies the complexity of the human psyche. An individual who believes they are only one type of person prevents them from reaching their full potential because it limits their ability to comprehend any other trait outside of their assigned box.
Humans are highly complex, highly nuanced creatures. We act depending on different scenarios and different contexts. Taking a test and slapping a label on yourself doesn’t make one immune to those factors; actually, trying to fit into a closely knit group of traits prevents one from being flexible in one’s approach to life, relationships, and work.
The last, and probably most obvious problem, is that these personality tests are extremely inconsistent. I’ve personally taken the MBTI or 16Personalities test, and each time I’ve received a different product. I’ve ranged from INFP all the way to ESTJ – which are complete opposites on the personality spectrum, despite my answers not containing any jarring differences. I’m a very consistent person, so I find it hard to believe that my personality can change from shy and spontaneous to outgoing and organized in the span of only 3-4 weeks. It just doesn’t make sense. Perhaps this inconsistency is due to forced-choice formats that ignore human heterogeneity, the fact that these tests rely on current moods instead of strong traits or even the lack of motivation to get through the painfully long assessment. Many factors go into why your results, especially over time, don’t always match each other.
Whatever it may be, when looking to discover more about your personality, skip these kinds of tests. They aren’t worth your time or your energy.
