By Sarah Johnson |Staff Writer|
About 75 percent of Americans admit to using their cellphones while in the restroom, according to the survey “IT in the Toilet.”
While it’s quite obvious just how attached we are to our cellphones in public, our attachment behind closed doors may not be as apparent.
Ninety-two percent of people said they mainly go on social media, and 49 percent read and reply to text messages—all while sitting upon the porcelain throne.
Although some are quick to say how gross this is, it’s not really a new phenomenon if you think about it.
People have been reading newspapers, magazines, and books on the John for an immeasurable amount of time.
The difference here that sets the stage for the gross factor is that the reading material that’s so close to your poo is usually left in the restroom, whereas our cellphones are carried around in our pockets, purses, constantly in our hands, and often pushed up against our faces.
Ok, now queue the “eww’s.”
“Any place where people are touching their bodies, then an inanimate object, with their hands without washing—they are potentially transferring bacteria or viruses…that cause gastroenteritis—vomiting and diarrhea,” stated Dr. Martyn Kirk, an expert from the National Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health.
The vast majority of us have to know that this is unsanitary, so why do we do this? I hate to say it, but this all goes back to our need to be amused and entertained at every stinking minute of the day—pun intended.
Why is it that we’re so lonely without our phones? During what tends to be the most private moments of our days, we still feel the need to “socialize,” play games, or watch cat videos.
Student Jason Heron said, “it’s my morning ritual. I wake up, roll over, grab my phone, and head to the head. And if I forget my phone, I almost always turn back to get it.”
“I use it as my time to catch up on things,” said student Jessica Riley, “whether it’s wishing a Facebook friend a happy birthday, replying to my boss’ email, or checking in on my Instagram feed, it’s just my time to relax.”
“Just the other day I congratulated a friend on her wedding from the night prior,” stated student Stacey Aguire. “I don’t feel weird about it, she doesn’t know I was using the restroom when I posted it.”
Student Teresa Caster said, “it’s embarrassing but, often times when I see an article or funny video that I think I would enjoy, instead of stepping away and watching it right then I’ll save it in my phone for my trip to the restroom later.”
Caster went on to say, “it’s like my little get away from work and a time for just myself to enjoy. It’s what I look forward to.”
Bringing your phone to the restroom is like bringing an entertainment buddy, someone to hold your hand—err—hands.
I personally think it’s not a big deal, just remember to wash both your hands, and your “buddies.”
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