The Rice Purity Test: Understanding this Viral Phenomenon

The Rice Purity Test: What Is It and Why It Matters

The Rice Purity Test has become an internet phenomenon among college students and young adults. This test aims to measure someone's level of "purity" by asking questions about behaviors relating to drugs, alcohol, sexual acts, and criminal activities. While controversial, the test remains popular on college campuses and social media.

What Is the Rice Purity Test?

The Rice Purity Test was created in the 1920s by students at Rice University as a way to assess how "pure" incoming freshmen were. The test consisted of 100 questions about potentially corrupting behaviors and experiences. Students took the test anonymously and compared their scores to see who was the most "pure."

Since then, the test has evolved into an online quiz with updated questions reflecting modern society. There are now several versions of the Rice Purity Test circulating online. The most popular version has 100 questions, with each question representing one point. The lower the final score, the more "impure" the test taker is considered.

Sample Rice Purity Test Questions

Here are some sample questions from a typical Rice Purity Test:

• Have you ever been drunk?
• Have you ever tried marijuana?
• Have you ever sent a sexually explicit text or photo?
• Have you ever cheated on an exam?
• Have you ever watched pornographic videos?

The test covers a wide range of behaviors, including drug and alcohol use, sexual acts, breaking rules, and criminal activities. Each question is simply answered yes or no. Some versions allot more points for certain extreme acts.

Scoring and Interpretation

On a 100-point test, a perfect score is 100, meaning the test taker answered "no" to all questions. This would indicate "complete purity." A score between 96-99 is considered "very pure." On the lower end, a score between 0-49 is interpreted as being "corrupted."

Of course, a lower score does not necessarily indicate that someone lacks morals or is a "bad" person. The results simply measure life experiences relating to drugs, sex, and other acts historically considered taboo or risky, especially for adolescents and young adults.

The Rice Purity Test Online

While the Rice Purity Test originated from a private university campus, it has become widely available online. There are many sites that host variations of the test. Some require registration while others allow you to take the test anonymously.

After completing the test, you are presented with your score along with how you compare to the average. For example, a score of 70 might indicate you are "more pure" than 55% of people who have taken the test. Some sites provide additional interpretation of your score.

Many people take the Rice Purity Test online out of curiosity. For college students, it has almost become a rite of passage. Comparing scores with peers can be seen as a bonding experience. However, experts caution that the test should be approached with the right mindset, rather than glorifying risky behaviors.

Criticisms and Controversies

While popular, the Rice Purity Test faces criticism for various reasons:

• Presents an outdated concept of "purity" based on religious morals
• Does not account for consent, safety, relationships, etc.
• Promotes peer pressure around sexual behavior
• Normalizes alcohol and drug use

Additionally, questions involving criminal activities raise legal concerns. Issues of privacy and confidentiality also come into play with sharing scores online.

Still, many defend the test as being mostly lighthearted and not meant to be taken too seriously. With the right perspective, they argue it can build self-awareness and open discussions about social pressures.

Using the Rice Purity Test Responsibly

If you choose to take the Rice Purity Test, here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

• Do not feel pressured to participate or share your score.
• Understand that a lower score does not make you a bad person.
• A higher score does not imply superiority or judge others.
• Consider your motivations and whether this activity promotes healthy perspectives.
• Be mindful of how test questions apply the concept of "purity."

While the Rice Purity Test remains contentious, it opens up conversations about social norms, peer pressure, and adolescent development. As with any provocative idea that goes viral online, approaching it thoughtfully is key.

The Bottom Line

The Rice Purity Test offers a snapshot of behaviors and life experiences relating to drugs, sex, rule-breaking, and taboos. This quiz has become popular online, especially among college students curious how they compare with peers. However, the concept of "purity" comes with controversy. Overall, the test is best viewed lightheartedly, not as a serious measure of worth or morality.

FAQs

What is the Rice Purity Test?

The Rice Purity Test is an online quiz that asks personal questions about behaviors and experiences relating to sex, drugs, breaking rules, and other taboo or risky activities. It aims to measure someone's "purity" with a score between 0-100.

Who created the Rice Purity Test originally?

The test was created in the 1920s by students at Rice University as a way to judge the "purity" of incoming freshmen students based on religious morals at the time.

What kind of questions are on the Rice Purity Test?

There are 100 multiple choice questions covering topics like alcohol, drugs, sexual acts, criminal behaviors, lying, cheating, and other experiences considered taboo or morally corrupting.

Is the Rice Purity Test controversial?

Yes, the test is controversial for judging "purity" based on outdated religious morals. Critics argue it promotes risky behaviors and does not account for consent, safe sex, etc. However, some say it can spark thoughtful discussions if approached responsibly.

Where can I take the Rice Purity Test online?

There are many websites that host variations of the Rice Purity Test. Some popular sites include Rice Purity Test.com, Rice Purity Test.net, and PurityTest.org. Most allow you to take the test anonymously and compare your score.