The Magic and Controversy of MBTI
This article discusses the popularity and controversy of the MBTI personality test. While some people find it helpful for self-understanding, others question its accuracy and worry about being labeled. The article also warns against relying too much on personality tests and instead emphasizes the importance of making choices based on one's own experiences.
The Magic and Controversy of MBTI: Are You Labeled by Personality Tests?
In recent years, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) has gained significant popularity. Whether it's in magazines or on social apps, psychological tests have always been a hot topic. The MBTI personality test has sparked a new wave of enthusiasm in the workplace and education fields. Many people label themselves with personality abbreviations such as 'ENFP,' 'INFP,' and 'ENTP,' and some even let these labels influence their academic and career choices.
Some people believe that psychological tests can help them understand themselves, while others question the professionalism of these tests. Are you 'labeled' by these tests? Is it a form of 'suggestion'?
"It Makes Me Feel Special" Characters like Jia Baoyu from 'Dream of the Red Chamber' are classified as ENFP, Lin Daiyu as INFP, Sun Wukong as ENTP, and McDull as INTJ. Recently, netizens have listed the personality types of many fictional characters, which has amused onlookers. What do these letter combinations represent?
The full name of MBTI is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, a personality test developed by the Myers mother and daughter in the 1940s. It divides personality into eight letters: E (extroverted), I (introverted), N (intuitive), S (sensing), F (feeling), T (thinking), P (perceiving), and J (judging), forming 16 personality types through combinations.
Xiaoyi, a psychology student, finds psychological tests irresistible. She uses MBTI when she is confused or doubting herself. She wants affirmation from test results to better understand herself.
Some people are addicted to these tests, while others are dismissive. A survey shows that nearly half of the respondents have taken such psychological tests, with 49.67% not believing the results and just glancing over them, and 19.05% 'matching themselves' to the results.
Is It a 'Tool'?
In the workplace and education, personality tests have become a 'social currency' and a tool. Many companies use psychological tests in recruitment. For example, some companies use the 'Nine Personality Test' or 'Color Personality Test' to understand employees.
Psychological tests are also becoming a tool for family education. Parents use these tests to discover their children's interests.
A survey shows that 69.52% of respondents believe that personality tests are helpful for understanding themselves, 64.76% think they are useful for understanding others, 40.95% see them as a form of entertainment, and 39.5% believe they can help understand their children better.
Is It a 'Guide'?
When people take the labels given by MBTI as first impressions or even stereotypes, problems arise. Different personalities are divided into different circles, and even a 'pecking order' emerges.
The 'Barnum effect' in psychology points out that people often think general personality descriptions are accurate. In fact, these tests should not be our life or life guides. Our lives and our children's lives should be defined by ourselves.
Don't Let Personality Tests Deepen Prejudices
Personality has no superiority or inferiority. However, some people are proud of having a personality at the top of the personality pyramid. This kind of 'algorithm' based on personality deepens social prejudices and discrimination.
Rather than relying on personality tests, we should view them as entertainment or conversation starters. We should define our lives through our own choices and actions.
In conclusion, while personality tests can be interesting and provide some insights, we should not rely on them too much. We should believe in our own choices and experiences to shape our lives.