In an age where our smartphones have become as indispensable as our wallets and keys, it’s not surprising that we take them everywhere we go—even to the bathroom. What used to be a time for quiet contemplation, reading a book, or flipping through a magazine, has now turned into one of the prime opportunities to catch up on emails, news, and social media. But just how common is this morning ritual? What percentage of people admit to sitting on the toilet in the morning, using their smartphones to scroll through the digital world? Let’s explore the numbers and the reasons behind this modern habit.
Morning Routines Redefined: A New Kind of Multitasking
As the sun rises and the world begins to wake, millions of people start their day in the most private of spaces—the bathroom. And for many, reaching for their smartphone is just as natural as brushing their teeth. According to various studies, 60% of smartphone users admit to using their phones during their morning bathroom routine. This statistic illustrates how ingrained our devices have become in even the most personal aspects of our lives.
But what drives this behavior? The bathroom has transformed from a space of isolation into a makeshift office, entertainment hub, or social media browsing zone. For those precious few minutes, away from the demands of the outside world, it feels like the perfect opportunity to check notifications, read headlines, or mindlessly scroll through Instagram.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Who’s Doing It and Why
It turns out that toilet-phone users aren’t as rare as you might think. In fact, 75% of people admit to using their phones in the bathroom in general—not just in the morning. But when it comes to that early morning routine, the numbers show that 60% incorporate their phone use into this first visit to the bathroom.
- Generational Divide: Unsurprisingly, younger generations dominate this trend. Millennials and Gen Z are the most prolific bathroom scrollers, with 85% admitting to using their phones on the toilet. For these digital natives, the phone is an essential extension of their daily lives, and checking it first thing in the morning—whether sitting on the toilet or not—has become second nature.
- Gender Differences: Interestingly, men seem to be slightly more inclined toward this habit than women. Around 80% of men report using their phones on the toilet, compared to 70% of women. While the reasons for this gender gap are unclear, some speculate that men might be more likely to extend their time in the bathroom as a form of relaxation or solitude, bringing their phones with them as a distraction.
What Are People Doing on Their Phones
Once that phone is in hand, what are people actually doing? Are they diving into important emails or handling business deals while on the toilet? Not quite. The reality is that for most, it’s a time for social media scrolling. Over 40% of people say that they check Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Twitter during their morning bathroom visit.
For others, it’s the perfect opportunity to read the news or check their favorite blogs. Apps like Reddit, news aggregators, and YouTube are popular choices for those who use their morning bathroom time to catch up on current events or indulge in a quick video.
Some people even start their workday from the toilet, replying to emails or checking their calendar for the day. In a world where remote work has blurred the lines between home and office, it’s not surprising that some have turned their bathroom into an extension of their workplace.
The Psychology Behind the Habit: Why Do We Do It
The real question isn’t just how many people use their phones on the toilet in the morning, but why they do it. The answer lies in a few psychological and social factors:
- Maximizing Time: For many, sitting on the toilet has become a prime opportunity to multitask. With the constant pressure to make the most of every minute, people feel compelled to use their time “productively,” even during what used to be a brief period of rest. Whether it’s catching up on social media or responding to messages, using the phone in the bathroom feels like killing two birds with one stone.
- The Need for Connection: In our hyper-connected world, many people feel anxious if they’re away from their phones for too long. The morning routine, which often involves a solitary bathroom visit, offers a quiet moment to check in with the world. For some, it’s an opportunity to feel connected to friends, colleagues, and the larger global conversation.
- Dopamine Hits: Every time we receive a notification or a ‘like’ on a post, our brains release a small burst of dopamine. This creates a cycle of reward-seeking behavior, where people are constantly reaching for their phones to get that next hit of gratification. The bathroom, with its uninterrupted time and privacy, becomes the perfect environment for indulging in this habit.
The Hidden Downsides: Is It All Fun and Games
While using your phone on the toilet might seem harmless, there are some unintended consequences of this modern habit.
- Hygiene Concerns: Studies have found that smartphones can carry as much—if not more—bacteria than a toilet seat. When we take our phones into the bathroom, they can easily become contaminated with germs, especially if handwashing hygiene is neglected afterward. While it’s easy to sanitize our hands, few of us regularly disinfect our phones.
- Health Issues: There’s also a physical toll to consider. Spending too much time sitting on the toilet, especially while hunched over a phone, can lead to posture problems and even increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids. What starts as a quick check of social media can easily turn into 15 or 20 minutes of extended sitting, leading to discomfort and health risks over time.
Reclaiming Our Mornings: Time for a Digital Detox
As convenient as it may seem, the habit of using a smartphone on the toilet in the morning might not be the most beneficial way to start the day. With digital detoxes becoming more popular, many wellness experts are encouraging people to reclaim their mornings as a time for mindfulness and reflection—rather than scrolling.
A bathroom digital detox might be a good way to start breaking the habit. Leaving the phone outside the bathroom door could help us regain those few precious minutes of peace, allowing for a more centered and present start to the day. It might also prevent some of the hygiene and health issues that come with bringing our devices into the bathroom.
A Quirky, Universal Habit
So, what percentage of people sit on the toilet in the morning using their smartphones? According to the numbers, a solid 60% of us are guilty of this quirky morning routine. Whether it’s checking Instagram, catching up on emails, or reading the news, the smartphone has found its way into the most private corners of our lives—including the bathroom.
As with any habit, there are upsides and downsides. While it may feel like an efficient use of time, the hidden hygiene risks and potential health issues give us reason to pause. Perhaps it’s time to reconsider how we spend those early moments of the day—whether that means ditching the phone or simply being more mindful of how we use it.
In the end, the bathroom will likely remain a stronghold of multitasking for many. If you find yourself scrolling on the toilet tomorrow morning, you’re certainly not alone.