What Is The 'Mental Age Test' On TikTok?

The latest personality quiz that's making the rounds on TikTok is the Mental Age Test, allowing 'Born In The Wrong Generation' believers to prove themselves right once and for all.

Although the bulk of the content has been uploaded this year, the history of the Mental Age Test dates back much further. It's been covered by YouTubers and Twitter users who've shared their results as early as 2009.

However, many questions remain. What is someone's "mental age?" Who created the Mental Age Test? Why is it trending now? Let's explain.

What Is Someone's "Mental Age?"

The concept of "Mental Age" considers how old someone is in their mind instead of their body. This is based on their actions, viewpoints and lifestyle that allude to the general person of a different age group who acts, behaves and enjoys life similar to them.

Someone's mental age is ultimately determined by the test, gauging someone's beliefs through multiple choice questions. The sum of these questions determines the year the tester should have been born in.

Where Is The "Mental Age Test?"

The most common "Mental Age Test" used online in 2022 is mymentalage.com. It's the website and test that TikTokers are using in their videos.

Who Created The "Mental Age Test?"

The "Mental Age Test" at mymentalage.com was created on August 10th, 2010. Going into the remainder of 2010, evidence of its growing popularity was evident on Twitter. It should also be noted that there was a precursor Mental Age Test created in 2009, however, it is no longer accessible.

How Is The "Mental Age Test" Used In Memes And Videos?

It wasn't until the late 2010s that the "Mental Age Test" was referenced in YouTube videos as the main plot for content creation. The first major YouTuber to use the Mental Age Test in a video was Deji, who on December 11th, 2016 shared a video titled, "THE MENTAL AGE TEST," that earned roughly 1.3 million views after being posted.

Twitter users began sharing their results in semi-viral tweets in 2019, however, the predominant buzz surrounding the test didn't start until 2022 on TikTok. The first known TikToker to share a video of their Mental Age Test results was @pollycastor who compared them to a selfie.

The contrast between these two screenshots proved to be fruitful for many content creators going forward. It became the dominant format for sharing one's results.

For the full history of the "Mental Age Test," be sure to check out our entry on it here for even more information.