MBTI Tests: A Double-Edged Sword of Self-Discovery and Business
The MBTI test has gained immense popularity on social media, but is it truly a reliable way to understand oneself? This article delves into the pros and cons of MBTI and similar personality tests.
MBTI Tests: The Quest for Self-Understanding or a Lucrative Business?
In recent times, the MBTI (Myers–Briggs Type Indicator) has once again taken the social media by storm. People are passionately sharing their test results and looking for like-minded individuals. This personality test, which classifies people into 16 types based on four dimensions (E/I - Extraversion/Introversion, S/N - Sensing/Intuition, T/F - Thinking/Feeling, J/P - Judging/Perceiving), has sparked intense discussions.
Many are intrigued by the various memes and find joy in exploring their personality types. However, some are left confused, wondering what this new internet craze is all about. The MBTI is based on the theories of Swiss psychologist Carl Jung and was developed by Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother.
As social media has evolved, psychological tests like MBTI have become more than just tools for self-assessment. They are now factors considered in job hunting, making friends, and even dating.
But how are people spending money on these tests? Some, like Chaos, a 95 - posterior designer, pay for advanced versions of the test out of curiosity and a desire for self-confirmation. Others, like data analyst Xiao Jiang, are willing to pay for detailed assessment results, especially when facing career decisions.
On social platforms like Weibo, Xiaohongshu, Bilibili, Douyin, and Douban, bloggers are capitalizing on this trend, gaining significant traffic by sharing MBTI - related content.
Moreover, there are various ways to access these tests. Some bloggers on platforms like Xiaohongshu offer to share test links privately after adding you as a WeChat friend. After taking the test, users may be offered report interpretation packages at a cost.
In e-commerce platforms like Taobao and Xianyu, merchants sell MBTI test questions at prices ranging from 0.99 to 19.9 yuan.
According to data from professional psychological assessment platforms, a large number of people are spending on low - cost online psychological assessments. For example, at One Psychology, many users opt for tests in the 10 - 19 yuan price range.
Not only individuals but also some large companies use personality tests as a basis for screening job candidates. However, these tests are only a preliminary reference and not the sole determinant for hiring.
Despite its popularity, the MBTI test is controversial in the academic field. Some argue that the developers had no professional psychological education, and the test's theoretical basis is questionable. Others believe that simply classifying people into 16 types is too simplistic as people's education and growth environments vary.
In conclusion, while MBTI and other personality tests can offer some insights into oneself and help in social interactions, they should be taken as references only. As one person put it, 'Humanity cannot be limited to just 16 types. It's just for entertainment. Whoever takes it too seriously loses.'