People Who Screenshot Everything On Their Phone & Never Look At It Again Usually Have These 11 Specific Personality Traits
Mangostar / Shutterstock Many of us are prone to taking screenshots of outfit ideas, recipes, text threads, and even memes on our phones, but we never actually come back to them or use them. Of course, they're taking up storage and creating visual clutter on our phones, but these screenshots may also be taking up room in our emotional space and minds.
Much like people who struggle to let go of objects and form attachments to material things, people prone to digital hoarding may be struggling with a fear of missing out, intense attachments, or perfectionism. If you know someone (or are someone) who screenshots everything on their phone and never looks at it again, you likely have some pretty specific personality traits.
People who screenshot everything on their phone and never look at it again usually have these 11 specific personality traits
1. They're afraid of missing out
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A fear of missing out, otherwise known as FOMO, is often characterized by a fear of being excluded or not having information, whether it's trends, a physical invite to a party, or a piece of knowledge, that everyone else has. As humans, this desire to be "in the loop" and feel like we belong is natural and common, but it often manifests itself in unsuspecting, unexpected ways.
People who screenshot everything on their phones and never look at it again usually have these traits. They're yearning for a sense of belonging and afraid of missing out, so deleting something they might need later feels like putting themselves at risk of appearing ignorant or out of the loop.
2. They're impulsive
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Whether it's making impulsive decisions or impulsively filling up phone storage with screenshots that seem so important in the moment, people who screenshot everything on their phone and never look at it again may have impulsive personality traits.
While the root causes of impulsive behavior are under-researched and misunderstood, they can sometimes manifest when someone is seeking instant gratification. If someone's looking at a person they admire or holding onto a recipe they plan to make soon, they'll screenshot it for the instant dopamine rush and fleeting sense of accomplishment it provides, even if they never return to it.
3. They're curious
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Creativity is often naturally linked to intelligence because it encourages people to dive deeper into new interests and learn things about new topics. People who are naturally curious are more likely to try new things, investigate topics they don't understand, and even save things on their phones that intrigue them to come back to.
That's why it's not surprising that people who screenshot everything and never look at it again usually have these specific personality traits. They're curious enough to screenshot things and think about them in the moment, but it's often impossible for them to make space to come back to all of them.
4. They're quick thinkers
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Considering that quick thinkers and learners tend to remember more information over time, it's not surprising that they rarely come back to screenshots. If they screenshotted a picture of someone's outfit for inspiration, they can remember it if it had an impact. The same goes for recipes, text threads, and even passwords. If they took a photo of it, chances are they had already synthesized the information.
Of course, that's rarely true for everything a chronically online person might screenshot, so, for the most part, quick thinking is a personality trait of people with this online behavior.
5. They're creative
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People who are naturally creative may find more value in scrolling through photos on platforms like Pinterest or in other people's channels online because these spaces offer inspiration. By screenshotting random images, they curate a vision in their heads, whether it's revolving around style, personal expression, knowledge and information, or food.
Their photo albums are murals of everything they're interested in and pull inspiration from, even if they never have time to actually organize and revisit them.
6. They're dreamers
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People who are emotionally attached to the "what ifs" and are therefore creative dreamers may be more prone to screenshotting everything on their phones and never looking at it again. When it comes to anything from choosing their outfits to updating their LinkedIn job description, these whimsical people often draw inspiration from social media to craft their own goals.
While it's impossible for them to healthily copy every single person or thing they admire on their phones, screenshotting inspiring images and organizing them healthily can be a perfect way to connect with their future goals and aspirations.
7. They're nostalgic
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Many people who screenshot everything on their phones share specific personality traits, such as a tendency toward nostalgia. They want to remember old photos and keep track of their memories, even if they often forget the photos are there and never look at them again.
Of course, since nostalgia is a powerful emotion that can affect people both positively and negatively, it's important to be intentional about which photos and memories you keep on your phone.
Especially considering increased screen time often heightens feelings of nostalgia, sometimes to an unhealthy level, taking too many screenshots that bring up unhelpful nostalgic feelings can be an unhealthy habit.
8. They're hypervigilant
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People who are hypervigilant or conscientious about their safety, privacy, or well-being may be more likely to screenshot everything on their phones, even if they never look at them again. From receipts of online payments to passwords and even text threads, they're prone to covering their digital tracks.
While conscientious people do tend to live healthier, longer lives, according to a study published in Health Psychology, they could benefit from organizing their photo albums online.
9. They're prosocial
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If someone is generally social, has a large social network, or cultivates many connections, chances are their photo albums are a mural of all those relationships.
When they see something that reminds them of someone, they take a screenshot. They keep photos and posts that they want to show to their friends. They may even save events and community gatherings from social media platforms, giving them a chance to be more social.
Even if they never remember to share the photos or come back to them, people who screenshot everything are usually prosocial, always considering others.
10. They may feel powerless
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Regular daily screen time can lower overall well-being and psychological health, according to a study published in Preventive Medicine Reports. So, the more time someone spends on their phone, the more likely they are to develop emotional or mental health concerns.
Especially if this emotional turmoil leaves people feeling helpless and takes away a sense of control in their daily routines, seemingly harmless, unsuspecting things like taking a screenshot can give someone a fleeting sense of power. They try to preserve the feeling of a moment or capture a moment, all for the sake of control, even if it's entirely subconscious.
11. They're yearning for belonging
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If someone's felt misunderstood for their entire life or is struggling to find "their people," chances are social media and online routines play a role in helping them feel seen and understood. Whether it's screenshotting a post that makes them feel understood or saving an inspirational quote that gives them hope, people who regularly screenshot and then forget to come back often have these personality traits.
They're yearning to feel like they belong, and using social media apps or attaching a part of their identity to posts online helps to fulfill that need.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor's degree in social relations & policy and gender studies who focuses on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.
