There’s a meme floating around the internet that might look like just another brain teaser at first glance, but it’s quickly become one of those viral sensations that people can’t stop sharing. You’ve probably seen it already—a big square filled with smaller squares, and the caption reads something like, “The number of squares you see will reveal your biggest flaw.”

It might seem silly at first, but people are spending serious time counting those squares, debating their answers, and of course, comparing results with their friends. The image itself is deceptively simple. It might show a large square divided into sections, with smaller squares clearly outlined and others that are more subtle—formed by the overlap of lines or combinations of shapes.

Some people glance at it and quickly see 4 or 9 squares, while others study it longer and spot 16, 18, or even more. The challenge lies in how your brain interprets the shapes: Do you only count the most obvious ones, or do you notice the hidden layers, the overlapping ones, the ones made up of smaller pieces? That’s where the fun (and the frustration) begins. But this meme isn’t just about testing your visual processing skills—it’s wrapped in the promise of self-discovery. The idea is that the number of squares you identify somehow correlates with your deepest personality flaw. For example, one version might say that seeing 10 squares means you’re impulsive, while another claims 14 squares suggest you’re overly sensitive, and spotting 18 squares could indicate arrogance.

These personality insights vary with each version of the meme, but the core message is always the same: your brain’s ability to interpret a visual puzzle says something meaningful about who you are as a person. That’s a pretty bold claim, but it’s also what makes this meme so intriguing. It draws people in because it offers a personalized experience. You’re not just scrolling past it—you’re engaging with it.

You pause to count, you second-guess your answer, you maybe even try again to see if you missed one. And then you check what your number says about you. Is it flattering? Embarrassing? Strangely accurate? That moment of curiosity keeps people hooked, and before long, they’re tagging friends, sharing results, and starting new conversations. Part of the appeal also lies in its low-stakes format. There’s no right or wrong answer, really—it’s subjective. You might see 12 squares while your friend sees 17, and neither of you is wrong. That ambiguity makes it a perfect playground for playful debates and humorous self-reflection. It invites you to take a closer look at your perception while also laughing at the idea that your counting skills might hint at a personality flaw. It’s kind of like astrology meets geometry, sprinkled with a bit of internet humor. What’s more, it taps into our love of quizzes and self-analysis. We’re naturally curious about ourselves—how we think, how we’re perceived, and what makes us tick. And when that curiosity comes in the form of a quick, visual game that’s easy to share and understand, it’s no wonder it goes viral. People love feeling seen or even challenged by something as simple as a shape puzzle. It doesn’t hurt that these memes often come with colorful graphics, big fonts, and a catchy headline that dares you to prove something about yourself. While there’s obviously no scientific basis to the idea that counting squares can reveal your flaws, that doesn’t stop anyone from enjoying the process. It’s not really about diagnosing your personality—it’s about having fun, sparking a conversation, and maybe even learning something new about how you and others see the world. In the end, the square-counting meme works because it’s interactive, thought-provoking, and just a little bit ridiculous. It combines our love of puzzles, our curiosity about ourselves, and the joy of sharing a quirky moment with friends. Whether you find 10, 14, or 20 squares, the real takeaway is that we all see things a little differently—and sometimes, those differences make for the most entertaining scroll through your feed.