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The phenomenon you described, where it seems like everyone in the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) community knows multiple individuals of a particular personality type, is often referred to as the "Internet INFJ" or the "rare type paradox." It is particularly noticeable for personality types that are less common, such as INTJs.

There are several reasons why this occurs:

  1. Online communities: MBTI enthusiasts, including INTJs, tend to congregate in online forums, social media groups, and platforms where they can discuss and explore their personality type. In such communities, it is more likely to encounter a higher concentration of less common types, like INTJs.

  2. Self-selection bias: People who identify strongly with their MBTI type may be more inclined to seek out online communities or discussions related to personality types. This can create a higher representation of certain types, including INTJs, within these online spaces.

  3. Interest in self-awareness: INTJs, being introspective and analytical, may have a particular interest in understanding themselves and their personality type. This could lead them to engage more actively in MBTI-related discussions.

  4. Validation and relatability: When individuals discover their MBTI type and find descriptions that resonate with their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, they may feel a sense of validation and seek out others who share similar traits.

  5. Misidentification: Sometimes, individuals might mistype themselves or others due to various factors, such as misunderstanding the MBTI theory or relying on unreliable online tests. As a result, some people may believe they have encountered many INTJs, even if they are not entirely accurate.

It's important to remember that MBTI is a theory based on self-reporting and subjective assessment. While it can be a useful tool for self-discovery and understanding, it has its limitations and should not be taken as an absolute truth about an individual's personality.

If you haven't personally met another INTJ, it could be due to various factors, including your social circles, geographic location, and random chance. Keep in mind that meeting people in real life does not always align with online perceptions or trends, and the diversity of personalities in the real world is vast.

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