Chapter 1: The Rise of Phone Use in the Bathroom

In today's fast-paced world, our attention spans are dwindling, and our reliance on mobile devices has reached new heights, even in the most private of spaces—the restroom. It seems that everyone is doing it: scrolling through social media or playing games while attending to nature's call.

"Everybody's doing it." That's the phrase that comes to mind as I observe this phenomenon.

Mobile phones have evolved beyond mere communication tools; they now serve as a remedy for boredom, even during bathroom visits. From gaming to texting, and from streaming shows to listening to music or podcasts, our devices have become integral to how we pass time.

However, this trend has taken a turn for the absurd. I've noticed an increasing number of men at urinals, engrossed in their screens. Yes, you read that right—a urinal.

The average man spends about 20 seconds relieving himself. If you can't manage to go 45 seconds without your phone, it might be time to reconsider your priorities. Of course, this doesn't factor in the time it takes to zip up and wash your hands, which, let’s be honest, many people skip these days. But for me, washing my hands is non-negotiable.

And then there's the issue of using your phone while on the toilet. This brings forth two significant concerns:

First, let’s acknowledge that the bathroom is not the cleanest place. With surfaces crawling with germs and the risk of splashes, it’s a breeding ground for bacteria. Studies show that mobile phones can harbor ten times more germs than a toilet seat. This is primarily because we tend to clean our bathrooms far more frequently than we sanitize our phones.

What’s lurking on your device? Brace yourself for some unsettling facts. According to SellCell, a cell phone trade-in service, half of the devices tested harbored Pseudomonas aeruginosa, commonly associated with cockroach droppings. Alarmingly, every single phone tested positive for Escherichia coli and fecal streptococci, both of which originate from human waste.

But there’s even more to worry about. Bacillus cereus, which can cause food poisoning, was found on all devices, along with Staphylococcus aureus, known for causing pneumonia. This means that every phone collected for trade-in carried various harmful bacteria.

And how did these germs end up there? When toilets are flushed, tiny droplets containing these pathogens can become airborne, eventually settling on your phone when it's out in the open.

Additionally, spending excessive time on your phone in the restroom can negatively impact your digestive health. It can lead you to sit longer than your body needs, potentially causing constipation and even hemorrhoids.

Now, while scrolling through your phone might seem like a harmless way to pass the time, it is, in fact, a significant time sink. A survey conducted by Cigna indicates that the average person spends about 10 minutes in the restroom without phone distractions. However, using your device can extend that time by an additional 10 to 15 minutes.

Considering that the average person visits the restroom three times a day, this adds up to an extra 45 minutes to an hour spent there—time equivalent to an episode of "Game of Thrones."

So, what’s the solution? It’s time to leave the phone behind during bathroom breaks. Unplugging for just a few minutes can benefit your mind, eyes, and digestive system.

On a final note, if you happen to be in the stall next to me, the only thing I want to hear is the sound of toilet paper rolling.

I hope you found this article both informative and a bit humorous. Thank you for reading. -KM

Section 1.1: Health Risks of Bathroom Phone Use

Chapter 2: YouTube Insights on Phone Addiction

In this segment, we delve deeper into our relationship with mobile devices and the obsession surrounding them.

The first video, "Why Are We Obsessed With Our Phones?" explores the psychological aspects of our attachment to mobile devices and the implications it carries for our daily lives.

The second video, "Cell Phone Addiction | Tanner Welton | TEDxLangleyED," addresses the societal impacts of phone addiction and offers insights on breaking free from this dependency.