Need a mood boost? Changing your phone wallpaper might be the digital therapy you need
Sometimes, it is the smallest things, like the image on your screen, that can make the biggest difference to your mindset.
Feeling sad and depressed? It turns out that something as small as changing your phone wallpaper could help lift your spirits, especially in a world where we are practically glued to our phones.
A new global study, whose findings are now gaining traction in Kenya, suggests that people who switch their wallpaper to calming, inspiring, or meaningful relatable images often experience better moods, reduced anxiety, and get a stronger sense of focus throughout the day.
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“It may sound like a small thing, but your phone screen is something you see constantly, from the moment you wake up to when you sleep,” says Dr Miriam Otieno, a Nairobi-based psychologist who specialises in digital wellness.
“If your wallpaper reminds you of peace, purpose, or people you love, that can help set a more positive emotional tone.”
Kenyans, especially the youth, are catching on. They are using wallpaper changes as a subtle form of self-care.
And it turns out, age also matters.
According to data collected from local smartphone users by mobile trend tracker TekWatch KE, young people aged 18 to 30 change their phone wallpapers an average of twice a week, while those over 45 tend to keep the same wallpaper for months, sometimes years, while some do not even know how to change the wallpaper in the first place.
“Younger users tend to reflect their mood or current motivation through their screens. If they’re feeling hyped, it might be a bold quote, some weird or fancy art or artist. If they are going through it, maybe something peaceful or nostalgic. The frequent changes aren’t just about aesthetics, they’re emotional check-ins.”
On the other hand, older users may prefer consistency, especially if their wallpaper shows family, a religious verse, a simple nature or a memorable photo.
"For many, that static image offers emotional stability, a reminder of what matters most, no matter how chaotic the world gets," Otieno says.
She notes that changing your phone wallpaper often is not a sign of distraction, but it could mean self-awareness.
“If you’re going to check your phone 80 to 100 times a day, you might as well make it a reminder to breathe, smile, or stay grounded,” says mobile app designer Francis Mwangi.
So, the next time you are scrolling through your phone between meetings or stuck in CBD traffic, ask yourself: What message is your wallpaper sending you?
Sometimes, it is the smallest things, like the image on your screen, that can make the biggest difference to your mindset.
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