According to a British survey, it was found that the average British individual spends over 3 hours per week in the restroom, significantly surpassing the recommended daily duration of 10-15 minutes, which totals around 1 hour and 45 minutes per week.
If you're curious about how that time goes by, the answer lies in the use of mobile phones. However, using your phone while on the toilet can have negative health implications. Let's explore the reasons why
1. Can spread many harmful bacteria
Phones can easily transfer and collect germs, which is why using your phone on the toilet poses a risk of transferring germs from its surface to sensitive areas when wiping.
Additionally, during handwashing or flushing, phones can acquire germs from any toilet surface.
Research has indicated that phones are responsible for spreading the MRSA superbug in healthcare environments.
2. Using our phone on the toilet may increase risk of hemorrhoids
Dr. Roshini Raj, a gastroenterologist at New York University Langone Medical Center, explains that under normal conditions, we should not spend more than 10 minutes in the toilet, as prolonged toilet visits can increase the risk of potential diseases.
Firstly, prolonged sitting can lead to hemorrhoids, which are sometimes painful swollen veins in the anal area. The design of the toilet contributes to this issue. Hemorrhoids are one of the most common symptoms, often followed by rectal prolapse.
In the case of rectal prolapse, which is when the rectum protrudes from the anus, medical professionals generally do not consider it a medical emergency unless left untreated.
3. Using our phone on the toilet waste our time
According to research, people spend an average of 90 minutes per day on their phones, which accumulates to approximately 3.9 years over a lifetime. Instead of focusing on their jobs, many people confess to diverting their attention to checking emails and social media platforms during work hours.
Consequently, phones are not only a waste of free time but also serve as distractions from important tasks and daily responsibilities.
4. Toilet time is often regarded as an opportunity to escape.
In 2016, a study conducted revealed that participants used their phones as a means to suppress negative feelings and emotions.
This continuous reliance on phones as a coping mechanism during toilet time could potentially have detrimental effects on our mental well-being.
5. Using our phones on the toilet can contribute to phone addiction
Although smartphones connect us to the world, they are also very addictive and dependent on them. Research shows that 1 in 10 Gen 2X teens use a non-detachable phone. This is obviously not a good sign as they have very little time to care about real life.
