Don't Let MBTI Become a Limitation
This article discusses the popularity of MBTI and its potential risks, emphasizing the importance of getting to know real people rather than relying on abstract symbols.
Don't Let MBTI Become a Self-Imposed Shackle
In today's digital age, we often come across various social codes and trends. One such phenomenon is the growing popularity of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). What was once a tool for corporate recruitment has now been transformed by the younger generation into a new way of socializing.
From the seemingly ubiquitous phrases like 'earth is for e people, i people's world is called internet', to universities using MBTI for freshman dorm assignments and local youth leagues organizing MBTI-themed team building activities, it's clear that MBTI has made a significant impact. It even topped the list of 'Top Ten Internet Buzzwords of 2023'.
People have always been intrigued by understanding their own personalities. Compared to more superstitious concepts like Chinese zodiac signs and Western constellations, MBTI offers a more straightforward approach with its binary classifications. It's easy to understand and provides a quick snapshot of one's personality.
In our fast-paced society, quick and lightweight social interactions are on the rise. MBTI serves as a useful tool for young people with limited time and energy. It helps them quickly grasp the personality traits of others, reducing social time costs and saving attention resources.
Although young people in the internet age resist being labeled, they also create unique personal images. MBTI's 16 personality types are more neutral and have a more positive orientation, helping to outline distinct personality portraits and create a sense of belonging.
Young people also use MBTI as a form of self-protection in social situations. For example, being labeled as an 'i person' can provide an excuse for seeming aloof or unsociable.
However, overemphasizing MBTI labels also comes with risks. MBTI cannot fully capture the complexity of human personality. Just as athletes can exhibit different traits depending on the situation, people are constantly changing and evolving.
In conclusion, we should view MBTI as a form of entertainment and a reference, but not let it become a constraint. We should get to know real people rather than relying solely on abstract symbols to build genuine connections.