Why do we love taking tests so much?

It’s really addictive: after passing one test, we immediately move on to another. And most likely, the next day we won’t even remember the result of the next questionnaire. Why are we doing this? Is it true that we can get to know ourselves better this way? Let’s figure it out together with the psychologist Elena Tukhareli.

Why we are attracted to tests

This is what our brain wants. A person needs self-awareness and self-determination, and the brain helps to satisfy this need in a way that is pleasant for him. Our brain understands systematized information when there are categories and classifications. And tests just allow you to get quick, understandable information about yourself. Just a few questions, and you know, for example, that you are a melancholic type of temperament.

We strive to belong to a certain social group. People love tests also because they feel the need for socialization with their own kind. Like, we’ve gathered here as extroverts and we all have fun. Or – I’m not so bad, there are people with the same problems. The same role is played by tests based on serials. They have a large audience with which to discuss the results. Plus, if the series is popular, it spurs interest – and who can I be in that reality? Would this match up with your favorite character?

Love for tests can be a sign of self-doubt. This is not always the main reason, a lot depends on the quality and focus of the test. There are professional tests open to the public – they are more about knowing yourself, your features. Some people really need test results as proof of their own worth. The question then becomes, can they see it in their real life? If not, then such results can only amuse pride for a while.

Someone with the help of the test is trying to relieve himself of responsibility. The test helps to understand and accept our characteristics, but it depends on what kind of locus of control we have. If a person places responsibility for what is happening on external circumstances and other people, then he can cover up his decisions with tests. However, no test result can justify aggression and violence. No matter how violent a person’s temperament turns out to be according to the test results, it is his personal responsibility to control his behavior.

It’s a way to increase your value (after all, tests rarely have negative results). If this is not a professional or career-oriented test, then to a greater extent it really plays an encouraging role. No one is interested in wasting time answering and finding out that he is not so good. As a reward for interest and time – positive or neutral results. If there is something not very pleasant, then recommendations can usually be given on how to fix it.

In addition, the test gives you the opportunity to reflect on yourself, to express yourself. This is especially true for options where there is a point at the end – share on social networks. One click – and all your friends will know that you are not just someone from your favorite series, but the main character.

Tests help to quickly “unload”. “Find out the date of your marriage”, “What kind of pizza are you?” Why do people take such funny tests? Just because it is usually easy, fast, unobtrusive. Some quick way to satisfy the interest – “and who am I in this ridiculous topic?”. Sometimes, the more ridiculous the test, the more interest, since there are no obvious expectations and some intrigue is hidden.

Can the test really help you to know yourself?

In general, yes. Even in non-standard questionnaires (from the “What kind of pastry are you?” Series), someone can find something that will respond to him. If we take more or less serious tests, they reveal certain personality traits, the reasons for choosing certain answer options. Can show strengths and development areas. Give the opportunity to analyze what topics concern you.

Top 5 tests to help you understand yourself before going to a psychologist

These tests will be useful for those who want to study their features, to understand them. They are tested, standardized and considered basic. All of them, although used by professionals, do not require special knowledge. However, you need to make sure that the site has instructions for taking the test and interpreting the result.

1. 1. Test for determining the type of temperament G. Yu. Eysenka
2. 2. Test for character accentuation by A. E. Lichko or G. Shmishek
3. 3. Test “Constructive drawing of a person from geometric shapes.”
4. 4. M. Luscher color test.
5. 5. J. Holland’s career guidance test