Are you an introvert or an extrovert? More of a leader or a follower? Enjoy nature or the city?
You’ve probably seen these kinds of questions on personality quizzes, and if you enjoy taking them, you’re not alone.
“As humans, we are naturally curious. We have an inherent desire to know ourselves better,” said Dr. Susan Albers, a psychologist for Cleveland Clinic. “Personality quizzes are a great avenue for helping us to identify our traits, our reactions, patterns. They can be validating and enlightening.”
Albers said personality quizzes are not like clinical assessments, where a doctor would make a mental health diagnosis.
Personality quizzes are typically more for personal use or entertainment.
However, she said they can help us in navigating and understanding the landscape of our reactions and intentions.
It can also be a fun way to connect with family and friends and see what traits you may have in common.
“With the results, we have to have a little caveat. We tend to look at them under what is known as a confirmation bias. We look for information that confirms the results of these assessments,” she said. “So, this may or may not be an accurate description of you. Consider it to be a starting point for investigating a little bit deeper into yourself, your characteristics, and who you are.”
Albers said personality quizzes can be useful when it comes to relationships and your career, too.
But again, it’s important to remember they’re just a way to gather insight and shouldn’t be taken as fact.