At first glance, these might seem like just a simple pair of ripped shorts—but what if your brain’s first impression could reveal something about the way you think?
A single image, seemingly harmless, can reveal hidden patterns in perception, attention, and reasoning. Are you ready to see what your mind notices first?
The Shorts Puzzle: How Many Holes Do You See?
When you first look at this viral image, most people notice the two obvious rips on the legs and stop there. The title—“How many holes do you see in these shorts?”—instantly prompts your brain to analyze further, turning a simple visual into a subtle test of perception.
Pause and consider:
2 torn holes on the legs
2 leg openings at the bottom
1 waist opening at the top
That brings the “logical” total to 5 holes.
Look even closer, and each tear could go through both the front and back fabric, potentially creating 7 or even 9 holes, depending on how strictly you define a hole. This ambiguity is what makes the puzzle so fascinating.
What Your Answer Might Reveal About Your Mind
Despite the dramatic headline, this puzzle isn’t a test of narcissism—it’s a peek into your thinking style.
If you saw 2 holes: You are intuitive and quick to react. You trust your first impression and rely on instinct rather than overthinking.
If you saw 5 holes: You are detail-oriented and logical. You analyze structure and consider what’s beyond the obvious.
If you saw 7 or 9 holes: You think in layers. You notice depth, spatial relationships, and technical detail—an analytical, almost “engineer-like” perspective.
None of these answers indicate narcissism; the headline only fuels online debate because people naturally defend their perception.
Why the Puzzle Went Viral
This image captured attention because it:
Turns perception into a mental challenge
Sparks debate over correct answers
Encourages viewers to question how they interpret visuals
Engages people emotionally, making them eager to share their perspective
Its popularity stems from the way it combines curiosity, analysis, and social interaction.
Conclusion
Are you a narcissist? Not at all. This optical puzzle doesn’t diagnose personality. What it does do is reveal how you approach problems, process visual information, and respond to ambiguity. The number of holes doesn’t matter—it’s your reasoning, flexibility, and willingness to see multiple perspectives that count.