User:Evalstrom/Myers-Briggs Stereotypes

In the West, one of the most popular testing sites is https://www.16personalities.com, which claims to have 967 million + tests taken with their website. Within the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) community 16Personalities is often regarded as inaccurate and untrustworthy. 16Personalities also introduced the concept of turbulent and assertive types, which are represented by either a -T or a -A at the end of your type (ex. ISTP-A) though these are not supported by any theories or verifiable evidence.

Stereotypes

There are many different stereotypes for the different types, and obviously with this comes exaggerations and generalizations. Since there is no proof supporting the actual psychological use of MBTI, none of these stereotypes are necessarily true nor limited to a certain type only. There are also often stereotypes that are shared among groups within MBTI, like for example all extraverts being loud and social and all introverts being socially inept and shy.

Stereotype by Function

Sensing (XSXX)

• Introverted Sensing (Si)Introverted sensors are often regarded as conservative or old fashioned due to the backward-looking tendencies of the function. Introverted sensors will stereotypically choose the supported or known path and more serious or reserved than their extraverted counterparts.

• Extraverted Sensing (Se)Extraverted sensors are seen as more childish and easy-going compared to introverted sensors. Due to Se users usually preferring to use their senses to understand a concept, they often prefer hands-on styles of learning and enjoy interactive exhibits/activities. Due to this focus on the physical world and the current environment, Se users can often forget to plan or consult the past when making decisions.

Intuition (XNXX)

• Introverted Intuition (Ni) Many stereotypes about Ni users revolve around the use of esoteric knowledge and psychic abilities to have knowledge of the future. This lends itself towards the name, intuition, and this belief is often backed by the perceived intelligence of Ni users. This is likely because Ni users seen as forward looking and dreamy, and often more involved in spiritual or philosophical topics compared to other types.

• Extraverted Intuition (Ne) Ne users are often stereotyped as spastic, distractable, and hyper-active. Ne users are often stereotyped as being creative and unique, as well as being known for having complicated webs of thought that they can explain in detail when asked. They are typically viewed as free-thinkers and are more likely to ask more superficial questions compared to Ni users.

Stereotype by Type

INFJ Often optimistic, compassionate, gentle and value peace and harmony with others. A stereotype of INFJs are that they can be more spiritual or wiser than other types, and that they are more principled than others.

ENFJ ENFJs are stereotypes to be heroic, kind, motivational, and sometimes overdramatic or sensitive. They are also sometime portrayed as gossipy or two-faced. They can also be seen as “Mary Sues”; a term used online to describe a character that is unrealistic due to them being seemingly perfect with no actual flaws. This sentiment sometimes makes it seem like ENFJs are social climbers or fake towards others.

INTJ INTJs are usually called robotic, analytical, and unfeeling by other types. They are often seen as “masterminds” and have feelings of superiority over others, though they are often teased about being socially awkward in real life and be seen as gloomy or pessimistic.

ENTJ Workaholics, strict, intimidating, and successful are all stereotypes of ENTJs. They are also negatively stereotypes as cold, rude, or too blunt. Though they are often goal orientated due to their Te being their dominant function, this doesn’t necessarily have to be orientated on careers and can be about things like family or hobbies.

ISFJ are often regarded as one of the most “matronly” of the types, with traits like kind, caring, and compassionate are often being attributed to them. They can also be stereotyped as being doormats or pushovers due to not wanting to upset people because of their secondary function being Fe.

ESFJ ESFJs are often seen as self-sacrificing or overly involved due to Fe being their dominant function and it heavily using the opinions of others to make decisions. They can also be stereotyped as nosy or annoying as they can get caught up in others business.

ISTJ Usually seen as rigid or stubborn, ISTJs are known as rule followers and willing to defend their stance in debate or argument. This also means that ISTJs are not known to be willing to change their ways and can be known to be more conservative due to their Si dominant function.

ESTJ Similarly, to ISTJs, ESTJs are typically portrayed as rule followers and uptight, though they are often notably more social than their introverted counterparts. ENTJs are often seen as leaders or motivators who are committed to getting work done efficiently.

INFP INFPs are often described as the crybaby of the MBTI types, and due to their more emotional and compassionate nature they are often portrayed as weak or naïve. INFPs are also commonly depicted as being “SJWs” or social justice warriors, people who are involved politically that are usually left leaning and outspoken about social justice issues, which may be due to them being Fi dominant, which means they consider their personal stance on subjects before anything else.

ENFP ENFPs are stereotyped as energetic, absentminded, and optimistic. Due to Ne being their dominant function, they are thought of as childish and sometimes scatterbrained, constantly sharing new ideas and reworking old ones. They are typically very social and creative.

INTP INTPs are often the most stereotypical of the types, with them representing the image of the ‘80s movie nerd. They are often described as socially awkward, quiet, shy, and resentful of more social groups or types.

ENTP The most prevalent and well-known stereotype around ENTPs is the devil’s advocate. ENTPs are often seen as social, argumentative, mischievous, and charming. On the other hand, ENTPs are known to go beyond boundaries and can come across as annoying, stubborn, or standoffish.

ISTP ISTP are often seen as cool, calm, stoic, and adventurous. The main demographic for ISTPs are men, though women ISTPs aren’t uncommon. They usually enjoy working with their hands and are stereotyped as being mechanics or engineers. They are often called emotionless or uncaring due to Fe being their last function, thought they can also be as outgoing as other Se users and enjoy talking to others.

ESTP ESTPs are typically portrayed as jocks or the stereotypical “alpha male” in many situations. They are often shown this way due to having Se as their dominant function. They are often dumbed down and thought of as meatheads, though they can often be the most charming and easy to talk to of the types, with a love for being outgoing and connecting with others.

ISFP ISFPs are often regarded as a more emotional type and are often also regarded as creative and unique, often experimenting with self and artistic expression. They can often be stereotyped as over dramatic and can been seen as “crybabies” due to Fi being their dominant function.

ESFP ESFPs are usually seen as fun-loving, loud, and social people who are active and energetic. ESFPs can often be called shallow or dumb due to their more social nature, though there is no relationship between type and intelligence.