Dark Triad Test: Do You Have a Shadowy Side?

Ever wondered if you have a darker side to your personality? The Dark Triad is a term for three traits that can make someone tricky to deal with: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. Machiavellians manipulate others like they’re playing chess, always aiming for personal gain. Narcissists are all about themselves, craving praise and believing they’re the star of the show. Psychopaths are cold, impulsive, and don’t feel remorse. These traits don’t make you a villain, but high levels can stir up trouble in life—yours and those of others.

The Short Dark Triad (SD3) test was created by psychologists Daniel Jones and Delroy Paulhus. Paulhus, a Canadian researcher, has been digging into these "dark" traits since the 2000s, when he first grouped them as the Dark Triad. Jones teamed up with him to release this short version in 2013. Cool fact: the test reportedly leaked online before its official debut, and people started using it right away, piling up data. What’s special about SD3? It’s quick—just 27 questions compared to the hundreds in longer tests. The questions are direct, and you rate them on a simple scale from 1 (completely disagree) to 5 (completely agree). Perfect for a fast self-check without getting overwhelmed.

Are these three traits really different, or are they just one thing with different names? Psychologists still argue about this. In the ‘90s, Joseph McHoskey suggested they’re basically the same, just studied in different fields—like narcissism in clinical psychology and Machiavellianism in social psychology. Their links to other traits often overlap too. But Jones and Paulhus pinned down what sets them apart: psychopathy is about impulsivity and fearlessness, narcissism is about chasing admiration, and Machiavellianism is about cold, calculated moves. What ties them together? A lack of empathy, a knack for manipulation, and emotional detachment. Fun psychology tidbit: people with these traits can thrive in cutthroat fields like business or politics because they don’t hesitate. But in relationships? They often leave a trail of chaos, using others without a second thought. Research also shows men tend to score higher on all three traits, especially psychopathy.

Ready to try the test? It’s simple: read the 27 statements below and rate each from 1 to 5. Grab a piece of paper, jot down your scores for each question. It’ll take about 5 minutes. Then we’ll break it down into three scales (9 questions per trait). To get your score for each trait, add up the points for those 9 questions and divide by 9 for the average. Rough guide for results: 1-2 is low (you don’t have much of that trait), 3 is average (like most people), and 4-5 is high (the trait is strong). This isn’t a diagnosis—it’s a tool to reflect on yourself.

Here are the statements (translated into clear, natural English):

Machiavellianism (1-9):

1. I think it’s unwise to share your secrets.
2. I like using clever manipulation to get my way.
3. Whatever happens, I try to get influential people on my side.
4. I think it’s important to always monitor how others see me.
5. I am the one who controls others, not the other way around.
6. I believe most people are fools.
7. Generally, I don’t trust people.
8. I quickly forget about morals when it suits me.
9. I will do anything for success.

Narcissism (10-18):

10. I love being the center of attention.
11. I dream of fame and greatness.
12. I deserve special treatment.
13. I expect to be admired for my looks.
14. Men/women fall at my feet because of my charm.
15. It’s obvious I’m special.
16. I adore being adored.
17. I deserve more than others.
18. I lead any group I’m in.

Psychopathy (19-27):

19. I enjoy sex with people I barely know.
20. I will say anything to get what I want.
21. I lie for fun.
22. I love taking risks.
23. I casually ignore morals.
24. I use others for my own pleasure.
25. I feel no pity for the weak.
26. I enjoy watching others suffer.
27. I betray friends if it benefits me.

Finished? Now let’s calculate. For each trait—Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy—sum the scores for the 9 questions tied to it, then divide by 9 to get the average. Here’s what your scores mean:

Machiavellianism:

• Low (1-2): You’re honest, trust others, and don’t play manipulative games.
• Average (3): You might use some tactics now and then, but you’re not out to hurt anyone.
• High (4-5): You’re a strategist, planning your moves and seeing life as a game. High scores can help in competitive fields but might make people wary of you.

Narcissism:

• Low (1-2): You’re humble, don’t chase praise, and care about others’ feelings.
• Average (3): You’re confident but not self-obsessed.
• High (4-5): You love the spotlight and might overlook others’ needs. Fun fact: narcissists can be magnetic leaders but often feel empty inside despite their bravado.

Psychopathy:

• Low (1-2): You’re empathetic, avoid reckless risks, and keep your promises.
• Average (3): You can be a bit cynical but keep your impulses in check.
• High (4-5): You’re emotionally detached, thrive on adrenaline, and don’t feel guilt. Cool insight: psychopaths excel in crises because they stay calm, but relationships are their Achilles’ heel.

Overall Dark Triad: Look at your averages across all three traits. If they’re all high, you might be a "dark" personality—potentially successful but tough on those close to you. All low? You’re likely a "light" type: warm and dependable. These traits aren’t fixed—you can work on them, like building empathy through meditation or therapy. This test is used in hiring to spot risky candidates and in research because it’s short but sharp. Surprised by your results? It’s a chance to reflect. Talk it over with a friend for a fresh perspective.