Extrovert or introvert?

Credit for picture: Internet

Since the Myers-Briggs Type Indicater(MBTI) was first published in the 20th century, it has still been taking influence in today's society. Numerous people take this as advice for compatibility, or who they're most suited with 'cause we all know, the dating crisis is real, after all. If it so many people uses it as a base foundation, then is it really trust-worthy?

For me, it’s quite funny to ponder on this question. You see, I have a particular favor to psychology, and of course it couldn’t have been long until I stumbled across the MBTI test. This thing, basically, runs you through a series of 72-78 questions and calculates your type. You can know what occupations people like you prefer or which people your compatibility reaches off the charts.

Speaking of which, with dating sites, you're probably going to end up with someone who's a bit different, but also quite the same. How do I know this? Simply, I've visited more than a dozen of them for this occasion(sometimes not-yup, no shame here) and got some pretty interesting results...

For instance, provided that you're an ISFJ like me, an ESTP is most likely to be your potential other counterpart. Looking at the types: ISFJ and ESTP, I think we can all say "opposites attract each other", since "I" stands for "introvert", while "E" stands for "extrovert" and they're opposites. However, this is where the controversy starts to settle in, because some head-shakers say: "But opposites also clash". Unironically, some introverts prefer to hang out with people of their kind and the same applies for extroverts. So is it really a match?

I suppose that we have to look at a few factors first before we decide to give a conclusive answer. Firstly, the MBTI test won't be accurate for everyone, as like any other tests. Additionally, it wasn't originally designed to test/find love compatibility. Secondly, if we were to take the test's advice, we would end up being compatible to everyone. Why? The MBTI system consists of 16 personality types in total:

-ENTP -INTP

-ENTJ -INTJ

-ENFP -INFP

-ENFJ -INFJ

-ESTP -ISTP

-ESTJ -ISTJ

-ESFP -ISFP

-ESFJ -ISFJ

Here, we see contrasting characteristics: Introvert and Extrovert; iNtuitive and Sensing; Thinking and Feeling: Judging and Perspective. Look at the example again. ISFJ and ESTP, we have some traits that are the same, and some different. So think of it, whatever your type is, you're gonna be compatible with the rest of the community. This way, you won't even know which type you're most compatible without having to google stuff.

Finally, the test is only requiring the test-taker to reflect on themselves, not how others reflect on them. Why is this crucial? Simply, I think there is a considerable gap between who you think you are, and who others think you are. Or rather, what you look like in others' viewpoints. After all, it is important that you get a second-opinion in whatever situation as it would make a pretty significant difference.

Now that we've gone through all the hassle and stuff, what's the final verdict? Well, compatibility-wise, the test is partly reliable. However, the problems above imply that we can't give it a pass. So what can be done to improve this? Personally, I suggest that we add to the test a part that determines are you really what your original results are. Again, if you're an ISFJ, are you an inside-introvert(you feel like an introvert)? Or are you an outside-introvert(you act like one). Perhaps a few questions asking what you think you look like in other's minds in the end would work just as well.

Of course, this is only my own opinion, so if you have any inquiries, I welcome all of them:)

Have a nice day/night