“Who am I” and personality quizzes (Everything you should know)

Many teens and adults, especially those dealing with uncertainties in their identity, relationships, or career turn to self-assessments and online quizzes in search of clarity.

Whether taken for fun or with serious intent, these quizzes often promise to shed light on who we are and why we behave the way we do.

These quizzes are easily accessible and often framed as a quick shortcut to self-understanding. But how effective are they really? And what should you be cautious of when taking them or internalising their results?

What are "Who am I" quizzes?

These quizzes are any type of personality test designed to explore traits, thinking patterns, values, and behavioural tendencies. These quizzes generally include a series of multiple-choice questions about how you act or feel in certain situations.

Once completed, they return a label or personality type that summarises your responses.

Some "Who am I?" quizzes are based on psychological theories, while others are purely for entertainment.

The popularity of these quizzes has grown online, often with bold claims about revealing your “true self.” While they can be useful tools for self-reflection, it’s important to remember that they are only one piece of a much larger self-awareness puzzle.

Why do people take these quizzes?

Many people are drawn to "Who am I?" quizzes because of a natural desire to understand themselves better. These quizzes can offer a sense of reassurance, helping individuals feel seen, validated, or more confident in who they are.

For those who feel unsure about their identity or who often find themselves adopting other people’s values or expectations, quizzes can be a way to reconnect with their own beliefs and preferences.

People also take these quizzes to make sense of confusing habits or emotional responses, improve communication in relationships, or explore career paths that align with their strengths. Others use them as entry points for personal growth or mental health reflection. 

While not definitive, these tools can encourage meaningful self-exploration when approached with care and curiosity.

Benefits of "Who am I?" quizzes

1. Increased self-awareness

Quizzes can provide helpful language for traits and tendencies. Research shows that structured self-reflection can support better emotional regulation and decision-making.

2. Normalisation and reassurance

Understanding that others share your way of thinking or behaving can reduce feelings of isolation, especially for those struggling with self-esteem.

3. Prompts for deeper exploration

Quiz results can act as a starting point for journalling, coaching, or therapy. They often spark helpful questions, even when the results are imperfect.

4. Low-pressure entry point

Many Australians find it easier to engage with a quiz than dive directly into therapy or introspection. It can act as a first step toward deeper work.

Risks and limitations

Despite their popularity, "Who am I?" quizzes have significant drawbacks, particularly when used without critical thinking.

1. Lack of scientific validity

Many widely shared quizzes are not supported by psychological research. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), for example, is commonly used but lacks evidence for long-term reliability or predictive accuracy.

2. Overidentification

People may become attached to their quiz results and start shaping their identity around it. This can limit personal growth and flexibility.

3. Simplified labels

Most quizzes force complex human traits into binary categories. This fails to capture the fluid, layered nature of personality.

4. Negative emotional impact

Quizzes that produce negative or limiting results may worsen self-doubt, particularly for those already experiencing anxiety or low mood.

5. Data privacy concerns

Some websites use quizzes to collect personal information. Always use reputable platforms and check data policies before sharing sensitive responses.

Popular examples of a "Who am I" quiz

MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator)

Developed by Katharine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers in the mid-20th century, the MBTI assigns individuals to one of 16 personality types.

These types are based on four trait pairings, such as introvert or extrovert, thinker or feeler. Despite its popularity, particularly in corporate settings, the MBTI is not scientifically validated.

Critics argue that its binary approach does not reflect the complexity of personality. Nonetheless, it can prompt self-reflection and provide a framework for understanding differences in communication and decision-making.

➡️ ➡️ Take the test here.

Enneagram

The Enneagram categorises people into one of nine core types, each associated with distinct fears, motivations, and growth paths. Its origins lie in spiritual traditions, later adapted into a psychological tool by Oscar Ichazo and Claudio Naranjo.

While not scientifically validated, many people find it valuable for uncovering emotional patterns and exploring personal development. It’s particularly popular in coaching and spiritual contexts, though it should not replace professional psychological assessment.

➡️ ➡️ Take the test here.

Big Five (Five-Factor Model)

The Big Five personality model is widely regarded as the gold standard in psychological assessment. It measures five major traits: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.

Developed through decades of research, the Big Five is supported by strong evidence across cultures and contexts. It doesn’t categorise people into types but places them along spectrums, offering a more nuanced understanding of personality.

➡️ ➡️ Take the test here.

HIGH5 Strengths Test

The HIGH5 test is based on positive psychology and aims to identify an individual’s top five strengths.

Instead of diagnosing personality or labelling weaknesses, it focuses on what you naturally do well. Although it’s not as extensively researched as the Big Five, the HIGH5 test is used widely in workplaces and personal development settings.

It encourages a strengths-based perspective, which can boost confidence and motivation.

➡️ ➡️ Take the test here.

Taking self-quizzes thoughtfully

• Reflect, don’t label. Let results prompt curiosity, not identity. Do consider what feels accurate and what doesn’t.

• Write and process. Journalling about quiz results can help you unpack what truly resonates and why.

• Stay flexible. People grow and change. Your personality today may shift with time, therapy, or experience.

• Consult a professional. If a quiz or quiz result brings up strong emotions or confusion, a psychologist can help interpret it in context. If you’re already seeing a therapist, try asking them for quiz recommendations.

• Choose your sources carefully. Use quizzes developed by credible organisations or grounded in evidence-based psychology.

Final thoughts

"Who am I" quizzes can be enjoyable and even insightful when approached with the right mindset. They offer an accessible way to reflect on your personality, preferences, and internal patterns.

However, you should not view them as definitive or diagnostic. Validated tools like the Big Five provide reliable insights, but even the most well-designed quiz cannot replace the depth of self-understanding that comes through reflection, experience, and sometimes therapy.

Ultimately, who you are cannot be summed up in four letters or a numbered type. You are a complex, evolving person, and that’s something that no quiz can fully capture.