Your dark side

Your four traits

1. Crafty

   Typical

   Scientific name: Machiavellianism

   Higher than about 30 % of the comparison sample

   Strategic, calculating and careful with what you reveal

   You can be strategic when it matters, but you do not usually treat other people as pieces in a game.

   Machiavellianism is about strategic manipulation: planning ahead, keeping your cards close and using people and alliances to reach your goals.

2. Special

   Higher than most

   Scientific name: Narcissism

   Higher than about 96 % of the comparison sample

   Confident, attention-seeking and sure you are exceptional

   You have a strong belief in your own talents and like to be noticed. You often take the lead and enjoy admiration, but others may sometimes see you as boastful.

   Narcissism is about a grand view of yourself: feeling special, wanting admiration and enjoying being the centre of attention.

3. Wild

   Higher than most

   Scientific name: Psychopathy

   Higher than about 98 % of the comparison sample

   Impulsive, thrill-seeking and unbothered by rules

   You tend to act on impulse, seek excitement and push back against rules and authority. You are bold, but others may see you as reckless or confrontational.

   Psychopathy, in the everyday sense measured here, is about impulsivity, risk-taking, defiance of authority and a tough, reckless way of dealing with others.

4. Mean

   Typical

   Scientific name: Sadism

   Higher than about 33 % of the comparison sample

   Enjoying others' discomfort and harsh entertainment

   You can enjoy some dark humour or action, but you do not usually seek out others' suffering.

   Everyday sadism is about taking some pleasure in other people's suffering or embarrassment, from violent entertainment to harsh words.

A high score does not mean you are a bad person or have a personality disorder. Dark traits can also come with strengths, such as strategic thinking, self-confidence and boldness. What matters is how you act.

The comparison sample is 637 university students in Canada (Paulhus and colleagues). Percentiles are estimated from the sample's averages and spread, so treat them as approximate.