"Appropriate" Phone Backgrounds

[Paragon Fury]

So I was talking with someone earlier and I mentioned I finally got around to to figuring out how to customize my iPhone (that I've had for 5 months now) and chosse my own background. When he asked what I chose I sent him the picture and he asked "Why would you use that for your background?"

Because I like it? I mean, there isn't anything inappropriate about it (in my opinion), so who cares what I put on my phone?

That being said, I suppose since one does take their phone out in public that there might be some etiquette in what one chooses for their phone background.

So are there certain things that one shouldn't put as their background/on their phone? Besides the obvious of course.

For reference, the picture in question (that is my phone background).

Spoiler

 

[tippy2k2]

For myself, I wouldn't have anything as my background on my phone that I wouldn't be willing to have as my background on my computer at work (which is currently the greatest man in the world, NPH).

Spoiler: NPH

So...yeah, your image is out

That said, I know plenty of people who have Sports Illustrated Swimsuit backgrounds on their phone so I think I'm in the minority with that mindset...

 

[Marter]

My logic for choosing backgrounds -- especially for something that you take out in public like a phone (or laptop) -- is that if I don't want to have to explain what it is, I won't set it as a background. Your image would be out (although I wouldn't pick something like that anyway). I keep it simple and recognizable.

As for "inappropriate" images? Eh, I wouldn't choose something that I felt might upset somebody (due to nudity/profanity/violence) because it's just not worth the hassle, regardless of whether it's right or wrong.

 

[The Rogue Wolf]

When asking yourself "should I put this image on my phone", try to imagine the first reaction you'd have to your mother asking to borrow your phone. Not a good one? Don't use the image.

 

[Esotera]

I have the NASA app installs which automatically changes my background every day to an awesome space picture. But yeah, if I was going to be giving my phone to other people I wouldn't choose a background like in the OP, just because it would require some explaining...

 

[Scarim Coral]

No offence but while that image is sexy as hell but I would consider that to be NSFW material . You should be able to figure out why it could be inappropriate. (You are aware that she is somewhat semi naked since I never seen a bra like that!)

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

I can't figure out the bra in that picture. Is it like a bifid tie draping her breasts?

 

[Wraith]

I tend to go with the "I like it so I'm using it" ideology. If the people who see it are offended that I used an image they don't like for my own personal device, well, fuck 'em. If they want to know why I chose the image, I'll explain it to them why I chose it. But that's it.

Spoiler: Background For My Phone

Spoiler: Background For My PC

 

[Autumnflame]

its your phone you have the freedom to personalise it as you wish within the confines of the law.

 

[likalaruku]

Things you shouldn't use as your tablet/phone background in public or if you're expecting company.

*Any picture from "All The Gore," a news site that doesn't shy away from showing dead bodies.
*Violent scenes from comics, video games, or movies, just in case someone mistakes them for something you did personally.
*Porn or nudity of any kind.
*Depictions of animal abuse.
*Sexy furries, especially if it's from a children's game or cartoon. You could traumatize a child or ruin someone's childhood, or cause them to see something that cannot be unseen, ever.
*Anything you wouldn't want children, cops, boss, coworkers, friends, or your own parents to see.

At some point, someone other than you will be looking at your phone.

*Maybe you leave it on a table at a party & it goes off. Anyone sitting or standing near it will look at the screen when they hear the ringtone or vibration.
*Maybe your spouse/date/child/parent needs to borrow your phone.
*Maybe your using your phone in a crowded public area.
*Maybe you accidently leave your phone somewhere & someone finds it, turning it on to find a number to dial to tell them their friend lost their phone.

 

[Mylinkay Asdara]

You can put anything as your phone background, obviously. However, as you pointed out, if you're taking it out in public? you're going to have to deal with people making inquiries or being otherwise opinionated about it from time to time.

I like fractals myself - pretty colors, lots of pattern, absolutely unremarkable for anyone else who might be viewing my phone by some chance. My fiancé likes skulls - which are also generic enough to pretty much dodge any questions or comments.

It's a personal choice, of course - but we live in a society and people do tend to have opinions and ask questions so it's really all a matter of how much or how little you want to encounter that when determining what to display in public or semi-public screens.

 

[likalaruku]

I can't figure out the bra in that picture. Is it like a bifid tie draping her breasts?

It's more like a halter top with attached pasties. It doesn't qualify as a bra because it doesn't "lift & support."

 

[JoJo]

I have an animated background of a rotating Earth on mine, in the past I've had animated star patterns, photos of countryside near where I live and a photo of my younger sister. You can put what you like as your phone background but personally, I'd think having the image linked in your OP a little crass and inappropriate. I say keep that for your private entertainment.

 

[Death Carr]

Spoiler: PC Background

Spoiler: Phone Lockscreen

Spoiler: Phone Background

The way I see it, my family sees my PC background sometimes so that needs to remain sfw, and my phones lockscreen is the most publically viewable and the only people that are going to see it unlocked are my friends who share the same interests as I do and hence don't think it's too weird for me to have it as a background

sorry for the colossal images, but I couldn't be bothered resizing them and they're in spoilers anyway so

 

[Eamar]

It's your property so it's entirely up to you, of course. That said, I wouldn't personally choose anything I'd be uncomfortable with my parents seeing, and anyone who sees your background is going to make certain judgements, whether you like it or not. I'd probably react the same way as your friend (and, not going to lie, when I saw the image I kind of assumed you were about 12).

For the record:

Spoiler: Laptop wallpaper (which is probably due for a change) - Dragon Age Inquisition promotional image

Spoiler: Second screen wallpaper - Illidan Stormrage from WoW

Tablet has a slideshow of images from The Hobbit, and my phone's screen is covered in widgets and stuff so I never bothered changing the background from the default.

 

[AnarchistFish]

that's really fucking weird dude

 

[Ed130 The Vanguard]

You have to remember that mobile phones are often used in public places where anyone can take a peek.

You can use that image as a background, but you have to remember that eventually some stranger or person you know will eventually see it. [user]The Rogue Wolf[/user]'s mother borrowing idea is a good one for testing 'public friendly' images.

Ultimately it's your decision as to what you set, just remember that fact if your boss/family member takes offence.

Spoiler: For reference my phone background

Spoiler: and my personal desktop

My phone is seen by the public and as such has a rather neutral image, while my desktop is a little more distinctive.

 

[Artemicion]

I do pinup girls as well, though I try to make sure mine are still tasteful. I'm mindful that people who don't know me very well may see my phone's background, and it's best if I don't leave too bad an impression.

Spoiler

 

[Bravo Company]

As others have said, you can put whatever you want as your phone's background. That isn't going to stop people that use your phone from judging you however.

I like to use a ton of scenic backgrounds for my computer/phone. I've my computer setup to rotate through backgrounds and I have a nifty app on my phone that cycles though backgrounds as well.

Spoiler: some examples of my computer's backgrounds

I'll periodically go through and add more backgrounds to the rotations. Its just hard to pick only one picture

 

[Eamar]

Spoiler: some examples of my computer's backgrounds

Dude, those are awesome! Are they from anything in particular or are they just random cool art?