Scroll at Your Own Risk: The Surprising Health Risk of Smartphone Use on the Toilet
In today’s world of nonstop convenience and “always on” connectivity, smartphone usage knows no bounds. It’s not uncommon to overhear phone conversations in restaurants, waiting rooms, or even public restrooms. But new research shows that where—and how long—you use your smartphone may have unexpected consequences.
A recent study from the Digestive Disease Department at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston examined smartphone use during a common but private activity: using the toilet.
The results were eye-opening:
66% of participants admitted to using their smartphone while on the toilet.
93% of those did so at least once or twice a week.
Over 55% reported they use their smartphones most of the time while using the restroom.
Top activities included:
Reading the news (54.3%)
Scrolling social media (44.4%)
Emailing and texting (30.5%)
This behavior wasn’t just about passing time. The data revealed that smartphone users stayed on the toilet significantly longer—over 6 minutes for nearly 37.3%, compared to just 7.1% of non-users. Notably, 35% of those users admitted their phones kept them there longer.
The health impact? After adjusting for other factors like fiber intake, body weight, and physical activity, researchers found a 46% increased risk of hemorrhoids in smartphone users—confirmed during screening colonoscopies.
As the study authors put it: prolonged engagement with smartphones while on the toilet “may be associated with an increased prevalence of hemorrhoids.”
So, maybe it’s time to draw some digital boundaries—even in the bathroom. Because if you’re not careful, Preparation H might be just a scroll away.
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