MBTIs

MBTI, or the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a term that has blown up recently. The string of 4 letters, consisting of either E (extroversion) or I (introversion), S (sensing) or N (intuition), T (thinking) or F (feeling), and J (judging), or P (perceiving) is something most people will use as an indicator of personality.

This is extremely true in countries like South Korea, where you will tend to hear something along the lines of “She likes planning an entire schedule? No wonder why she’s a J!” or “My friends are all F, I’m the only T amongst them. I have to deal with so many emotions haha.” There are many stereotypes to each ‘personality type’, such as “ISTPs are very quiet and shy” or “ENTJs are so bossy and aggressive”. It honestly just feels like astrologists and zodiac signs all over again.

Personally, I’m an ESTP. I found out my MBTI by figuring out cognitive functions, – that's a whole other story, – but it can only reveal so much about a person’s ‘personality’. Using the MBTI system to form your first impression and judge people’s actions can have many advantages, but there are downsides too!

Obviously, MBTI isn’t anything scientific, there are many ‘MBTI quizzes’ on the internet that just step into the most basic stereotypes (They might ask ‘Do you like talking to people’ and immediately throw you to ‘introversion’ after answering ‘no’ once) and aren’t that accurate. A really popular (inaccurate) website is 16personalities. Some people have used MBTIs to justify their actions and misuse them in formal occasions.

All in all, MBTIs can be a fun tool to mess around with friends, but it should be taken with a grain of salt. It’s more of a conversation starter than a scientific representation of one’s personality.

Clare

Secondary 3 Faith

2025