Be honest: Have you ever glanced at someone’s phone when they put it down . . . and SILENTLY JUDGED THEM for their background image? Maybe it was a photo of their cat . . . or a glamour shot of THEMSELVES?
In a new survey, 14% of people admit that they secretly judge people based on their phone background. And roughly the same amount say they think that image DOES reveal something about their personality.
Younger adults are more likely to think that a background image is important . . . both for themselves, and when “judging” others.
So what are the most popular background images?
1. Family members, especially children, 19% have that.
2. Nature and landscapes, 11%
3. Personal photos or memories, 11%
4. Pets, 10%
5. Nothing . . . just one of the default options, 10%
6. Romantic partner, 7%
7. Pop culture, a favorite movie, TV show, or music act, 5%.
You’d think that having a DEFAULT background would save yourself from judgment, but that’s not the case.
12% of “phone judges” say this boring option means you’re “uninspired or unengaged” . . . and lack the ability to be expressive or creative.
32% say it just means you’re “practical and minimalist, and don’t want to clutter your screen with distractions” . . . around 25% say it means you view your phone “purely as a tool, and not as an extension of your personality.”
And 22% admit that it’s “completely meaningless.”