Expert reveals the phone lock screen which could mean that you're a self-absorbed 'narcissist'

Daily Mail​

15-06-2025

Choosing what to use as the background of your phone lock screen is a small decision - but it could say a lot about you.
Take US President Donald Trump, for example, who was lambasted last week for adorning his phone screen with a photograph of none other than himself.
Social media users spotted a golden opportunity to mock the president after the reveal when he alighted Air Force One last month.
It clearly showed an image of the POTUS himself from July 2019, pointing straight at the camera - or at himself whenever he looks at it.
Critics said it was evidence of Trump's 'narcissistic' personality, branding him as 'self-absorbed'.
But what does yours say about the persona you project to the outside world?
While they aren't necessarily accurate depictions of the device owner's personality, it's safe to say that, for most people, wallpapers serve as great place for snaps of loved ones, cherished pets, or anything that could put a positive spin on the day.
Holly Beedon, Clinical Lead from Living Well UK, told Femail that it can offer a 'subtle but revealing window into how we see ourselves, what we value, and where our attention naturally drifts'.
What we choose for our phone lock screen can sometimes reflect certain traits of our personality or life stage that we are in, says expert Holly Beedon. Stock image used
'While there's no definitive psychological diagnosis to be made from a single image, patterns and preferences can hint at our emotional priorities and unconscious self-messaging,' she continued.
If you, like Trump, have a selfie of yourself as your phone lock screen, you may be seen as 'somewhat self-centred', she continued - adding that, 'in some cases, this is true'.
'This kind of imagery could be tied to narcissistic traits – specifically the desire to admire one's own image, or curate a specific identity.'
However, she caveats that 'it's not always that simple'.
'Some people use a flattering photo of themselves during a period when they felt confident, motivated, or empowered – this almost serves a visual pep talk to oneself,' she added.
There are other, more practical reasons for why someone might choose a photo of themselves for their phone lock screen.
Doing so can make it easier to return a lost phone to its rightful owner, for example.
Holly continued: 'So, while self-image can certainly play a role, the intention behind the choice to make yourself your own lock screen matters just as much.'
Meanwhile, picking a photo of a partner to look at whenever your phone lights up 'often reflects emotional closeness and romantic focus', she explained.
'It can signal that the relationship is central to that person's life or that they find comfort and motivation in seeing their significant other daily. For some, it's a private way of reinforcing connection and intimacy in a busy or stressful life.'
This could be the reason behind Kylie Jenner's phone screen, which she revealed in 2023 had a snap of boyfriend Timothee Chalamet leaning in to kiss her cheek.
Some people choose to use photos of their family members, such as children or parents, and this usually represents 'strong emotional bonds and values rooted in caregiving, tradition, or identity'.
Mike Tindall demonstrated this in 2019 when he revealed an adorable family photo featuring his wife Zara Tindall and their daughter Mia, who was five at the time, on his phone screen while he was away in Japan.
Parents with multiple children tread in dangerous waters, though, if they display just one child on their lock screen.
It doesn't necessarily mean that the child who lights up the screen is their 'favourite', but that could be how others might perceive it, Holly warned.
'It might simply be the most recent photo taken, or one that captures a particularly proud moment,' she remarked.
'Still, if this is a consistent pattern, it could suggest a closer bond with one child, or that they identify more strongly with that particular relationship.'
Having a photo of friends on a lock screen can often indicate that the device owner is someone who 'thrives on social connection and values their chosen relationships deeply'.
How you come to the decision of who takes pride of place on your phone screen can be a surprisingly emotional decision, and having friends there could reflect 'a stage of life where friendships are the primary support system'.
As Britons become ever more pet-obsessed - with figures showing an estimated 60 per cent of UK households owning at least one pet - it's no surprise that our furry friends are a popular lock screen choice.
Having them on your phone can represent a strong emotional attachment, and could also mean your pet is a source of daily comfort.
'Pets often bring a calming or joyful energy to someone's day,' Holly continued.
'And having them on a lock screen can reflect that soothing or stabilising role.'
People and pets aside, some phone owners prefer to have images of nature or scenery, which might suggest a need for calm, inspiration, or escapism, the expert added.
'People who use these photos may value mindfulness, solitude, or feel most themselves when outdoors,' she explained.
'Sometimes, these photos serve as visual reminders to slow down or to mentally return to a peaceful place during the stress of daily life.'
Others yet have photos of seemingly random objects - but Holly says these are 'rarely random at all' and usually represent something meaningful to the person whose phone it is.
It could be anything from 'a goal, an aesthetic, a private joke, or a vision board of sorts'. Some people may even use their phone lock screen as a means of visualisation or manifestation, using it as 'daily cues to focus the mind and align behaviours with a goal'.
Finally, there's the phone owners who simply have a blank screen - although these people are increasingly few and far between.
If you do come across someone who has nothing at all on their phone background, it could be because they prefer minimalism, privacy, or to avoid distractions as much as possible.
'A blank lock screen might reflect a desire for digital simplicity, or a subtle resistance to the emotional pull of personal photos,' Holly suggested.
'For others, it's simply a way to protect mental space - deliberately not engaging with their phone on an emotional level.
'Ultimately, a lock screen isn't a psychological blueprint, you can't know somebody through such a small detail - but it can be a telling snapshot of what someone wants to see – how they want to feel - or be reminded of - multiple times a day.'