Is MBTI Really More Reliable Than Horoscopes?

This article explores the popularity and limitations of MBTI compared to horoscopes and analyzes its scientific nature.

Is the Popular MBTI on the Internet Really More Reliable Than Horoscopes?

As you browse popular topics on Douban, you come across a dating message - non-dating relationship date: A host who is an INTJ is fascinated by the whimsical imagination of someone with FiNe and feels that an INFP is a little angel. You are left with countless question marks. Why is it that you recognize each letter but don't understand what they mean when put together? Not wanting to fall behind the trend of the times, you quickly search online for 'What does INTJ mean?'.

After a bit of 'research', you discover that these combinations of letters are MBTI personality types. MBTI is a personality test. By answering a few questions, you get a four-letter result representing your personality type, with each letter having its own characteristics.

For example, INTJs are perfectionists. They are多疑, independent, have严密 thinking, and are demanding. INFP types are idealistic, sensitive, good at listening and accepting, and focus on the spiritual world.

Why has MBTI suddenly become so popular? To some extent, MBTI has replaced horoscopes and become a new aspect of blind dates. Once you remember the personality traits of each MBTI type, you can activate your MBTI radar and actively avoid potential pitfalls at work, parties, and even when shopping.

MBTI enthusiasts not only analyze themselves and make friends through MBTI but also love to analyze idol types or story characters to prove they know them well.

However, there are always those who try to challenge the 'authority'. Some people find that their crush doesn't fit their type, so they take the test again and answer each question carefully, trying to change their fate.

Research shows that personality traits are stable and universal. In the absence of major events, a person's personality traits and type won't change significantly in a short period of time. But why do many online communities show changes in types?

MBTI is actually a product prepared by non-psychology professionals. Briggs had no formal psychology training and didn't接触过荣格's theory. She distinguished several personality types early on through observing personality differences, which happened to fit Jung's theory of psychological types. Later, she became a狂热 student of Jung and developed MBTI based on Jung's theory.

MBTI divides personality traits into four independent tendencies: extroversion (E) - introversion (I), sensing (S) - intuition (N), thinking (T) - feeling (F), and judging (J) - perceiving (P). Combining these, there are 16 types, each with corresponding personality traits.

However, MBTI's scientific nature is still insufficient. First, its theoretical basis has not been confirmed. Jung believed that his personality types were only rough tendencies and couldn't constitute a reliable testing tool. Second, MBTI's algorithm gives a direct 'label' based on the test results. Finally, MBTI has low reliability and validity.

So, if MBTI isn't scientific enough, why is it so popular? In fact, this isn't the first time MBTI has become popular. As early as 2012, there were MBTI-related videos on Bilibili. In 2017, the number of videos related to this topic reached a small peak.

Horoscopes were originally created to help sailors find their way. Later, they became popular through advertising and炒作. Nine personality types also became popular in China in 2005. These personality tests are alluring because people think the analyses are accurate. But in fact, they often use the Barnum effect, with general and universal descriptions that can seem to fit anyone.

In conclusion, while MBTI may seem appealing, it has limitations in terms of scientific validity.