In a characteristically sharp and observant piece for The Guardian's 'Picture This' series, acclaimed cartoonist Stephen Collins has turned his eye to the modern phenomenon of digital wellness. His cartoon, published on Thursday 16 January 2026, offers a wry commentary on the proliferation of stress management apps and our complex relationship with technology as a source of both anxiety and its proposed cure.
The Art of Digital Irony
Collins's single-panel cartoon presents a scene familiar to millions. A person is depicted engaging with their smartphone, presumably using an application designed to promote calm and mindfulness. The genius of the illustration lies in its layered satire. It subtly questions the efficacy of seeking solace from the very devices that often contribute to our daily overwhelm. The artwork captures the contemporary paradox where we download tools to manage stress that may, in part, be generated by our constant connectivity and digital consumption.
The piece was featured in The Guardian's long-running 'Picture This' slot, a space dedicated to showcasing thought-provoking illustrations and cartoons that reflect on modern life and culture. By choosing this theme, Collins connects with a widespread cultural conversation about mental health, self-care, and the role of technology in mediating our emotional states.
Stephen Collins: A Keen Observer of Modern Life
Stephen Collins is a renowned figure in the world of cartooning and illustration, regularly contributing to The Guardian, The New Yorker, and other prestigious publications. His work is celebrated for its intelligent humour, clean artistic line, and its ability to distill complex social quirks into deceptively simple images. This cartoon continues his tradition of examining the idiosyncrasies of 21st-century living, following in the footsteps of his previous work that often explores interpersonal dynamics, societal norms, and now, digital culture.
His style is immediately recognisable – often using a limited colour palette and expressive characters to convey a narrative far beyond the immediate scene. In this instance, the focus on a solitary figure and their phone speaks volumes about isolation, digital dependency, and the marketplace of digital wellness solutions.
Context and Cultural Commentary
The cartoon arrives at a time when the wellness technology market is saturated with applications promising to alleviate stress, improve sleep, and enhance mindfulness through screens. Collins's illustration prompts viewers to reflect on the irony inherent in this solution. It asks whether we are treating symptoms with tools that may exacerbate causes, and highlights the sometimes superficial nature of tech-driven self-care.
This is not merely a joke about apps; it's a cultural critique wrapped in accessible visual humour. It resonates because it touches on a genuine tension experienced by many: the desire to use technology to improve our lives while simultaneously feeling controlled by it. The artwork serves as a gentle, witty reminder to occasionally step back and consider the foundations of our mental wellbeing, rather than solely relying on digital quick fixes.
By publishing this cartoon, The Guardian provides a moment of pause and reflection for its readers, using art to provoke discussion about our daily habits and the billion-dollar industries built around managing the pressures of modern existence. It underscores the enduring power of the political and social cartoon to make us think while making us smile.
