From scrolling on social media to people talking about them daily, zodiac signs are everywhere. While horoscope signs can feel accurate, they also raise a big question: do they actually determine who we are or are they just something we use as an excuse to explain our actions?

Astrology can often times helps us understand ourselves and figure out our goals, identity, and where we fit in. It is very normalized that people can say things like “I’m a Virgo, so I like attention,” which gives their behavior support in a way that feels validating. Psychologists say that one of the main reasons people connect to astrology is because of the Barnum Effect, which is the psychological phenomenon were people believe vague, general statements about personality are accurate for them personally. In turn, people could take one of their experiences and connect it to their astrological sign to make sense of it. Emily Nguyen (12) says, “A lot of people say that Sagittarius’s love to travel, and I do love traveling.”

Another reason that people turn to astrology is to feel like they have control of their lives. Life, especially in high school, can feel very unpredictable while balancing school, a job, and a social life. These star signs provide a sense of order and predictability in who we are. But, while astrology can be comforting, it can also become a crutch. It can be easy to say that someone is emotional or moody because of their star sign, but do we really have proof to back that up? It can become harmful when astrology signs are used to excuse bad behavior and avoid taking responsibility for actions.

Despite some misuse of astrology, it can actually have psychological benefits like encouraging reflection, self-awareness, and empathy. It can spark friendships and conversations about emotions and values. Connecting through star signs can often be an effective ice breaker and create a shared sense of belonging. It’s a way to explore identity and personality in a lighthearted way. Jordana Lockhart (12) shares, “I never understood why people are driven away from others just based on their astrology sign.”

It is proven that zodiac signs do not actually determine who you are. Your personality is shaped by a mix of biology, environment, and experiences. However, astrology can be a useful goal or motivation for a way to understand themselves, express their emotions, and find meaning in their life. The key to this is finding a balance between learning about astrology but also knowing that who you are is not determined by the stars. What truly matters is how you choose to act, treat others, and decide who you become.