What’s on your lock screen? Is it a quote from our living prophet? Is it the scripture you’re to “ponderize” for the week? Maybe it’s a gorgeous shot of your favorite temple, or an inspiring photo of Jesus. If you’re a little more secular, perhaps you’ve settled for a picture of your wife or family. And if you’re downright sinful, it’s none of these things.
Sinful might seem like a strong word to use, but it’s backed up by the facts. In a recent study conducted by BYU sociology students, certain wallpapers were linked to saintly or sinful behavior.
Students with Christ-centered lock screens were more likely to attend the temple, go to church every week, fulfill their callings, and pray daily. In contrast, when backgrounds didn’t feature the pillars of the gospel, students were 10 times more likely to be working through violations with the Honor Code office. Secular backgrounds were undeniably linked to church inactivity.
Kolten Smith, a sociology research assistant, summarized “The data is hard to argue with. Many of us suspected that our fellow students with neutral backgrounds were apostate, but this study proves it once and for all.” He also mentioned that certain callings nearly always confirmed certain backgrounds. “The Relief Society President? The bishopric members? Yeah, they’ve definitely got Jesus in their phone. Meanwhile, members of the activity committee have probably got pictures of them and their friends, and those with no calling at all… I try not to think about it.”
Addilyn Michaels, a sophomore in the engineering department, is now feeling a little concerned regarding her spirituality. “Which background is the holiest? Should I emphasize a love for the temple, or fall back on the basics with a nice Jesus pic?”
Addilyn’s concerns reflect a host of questions that rise from the study. For example, does the effectiveness of certain lockscreens increase with regular updates? Does it reflect family values to use pictures of you and your spouse in front of the temple, or does it hint narcissism? We at the Alternate Universe are hopeful of future studies.