At first glance, the viral image of a torn pair of shorts seems like a simple visual puzzle. But once viewers are asked, “How many holes do you see?” the image becomes a surprisingly tricky challenge. Though the puzzle is often framed as a personality test, it’s not meant to diagnose anything—it simply shows how differently our minds interpret the same picture.

Many people immediately count the two obvious rips in the fabric and stop there. Others look closer and add the waistband opening and the two leg openings, bringing the total to five. Then some take it a step further, considering whether the tears go through both the front and back of the shorts, which increases the number again. What begins as a quick guess turns into a lesson in perception and the way each person breaks down visual information.

Different answers don’t reflect flaws—just different thinking styles. People who choose the lower numbers tend to rely on instinct and what stands out at first glance. Those who land in the middle often approach the puzzle more analytically, breaking down the shorts’ structure. Meanwhile, people who count the highest numbers usually think three-dimensionally, considering layers and depth others may overlook.

The puzzle’s popularity comes from this variety. It sparks friendly debates, encourages people to explain their reasoning, and shows how easily our perspectives can diverge. In the end, the value isn’t in finding a “correct” number of holes but in the conversations and self-reflection the image inspires.