W-Shadow.com

Imagine the average Internet user. Would it be a reclusive nerd, or a companionable social networker? Would their favorite pastime be writing witty blog/forum posts, or commenting (ever so eloquently) on YouTube? Would they lol about lolcats?

Here’s some completely unscientific research on these burning questions :

The Myers-Briggs type indicator is a popular way to label analyze someone’s personality. It classifies everyone into one of sixteen personality types. The test is also available online, which means that many users will take the test and post their results on the Web. So lets count the Google hits for each personality type and we should get a rough estimate of how common each type is.

Some context for the Top 3 results (stolen from personalitypage.com) :

#1 ENTP – “The Visionary”

Creative, resourceful, and intellectually quick. Good at a broad range of things. Enjoy debating issues, and may be into “one-up-manship”. They get very excited about new ideas and projects, but may neglect the more routine aspects of life. Generally outspoken and assertive. They enjoy people and are stimulating company. Excellent ability to understand concepts and apply logic to find solutions.

#2 ISTP – “The Mechanic”

Quiet and reserved, interested in how and why things work. Excellent skills with mechanical things. Risk-takers who live for the moment. Usually interested in and talented at extreme sports. Uncomplicated in their desires. Loyal to their peers and to their internal value systems, but not overly concerned with respecting laws and rules if they get in the way of getting something done. Detached and analytical, they excel at finding solutions to practical problems.

#3 INTP – “The Thinker”

Logical, original, creative thinkers. Can become very excited about theories and ideas. Exceptionally capable and driven to turn theories into clear understandings. Highly value knowledge, competence and logic. Quiet and reserved, hard to get to know well. Individualistic, having no interest in leading or following others.

Personally, I’m with #4 – INTJ “The Scientist”

Note : I’m aware there’s almost certainly some self-selection bias is at play here, i.e. people with certain personality traits are more likely to post their test results online. But hey, it worked for xkcd.