Why Using Your Phone in the Toilet is Dangerous? (Health Risks & Solutions)
In today’s time, smartphone has become an important part of our life. From waking up to sleeping, we are dependent on mobile for every small and big work. Whether it is ordering food or scrolling social media, smartphone is with us everywhere. But have you ever thought how using the phone in the toilet can be harmful?
Toilet, where cleanliness and hygiene are most important, if you take the phone there, then you can unknowingly put your health in serious danger. In this article, we will understand in detail how using mobile in the toilet can have a negative impact on your health, mental state and social life.
1. Harmful effects of using mobile in toilet
(a) Bacterial and Viral Infection
The toilet is a place where harmful bacteria and viruses such as E. coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus are found in large numbers. When you use your phone there, these germs stick to the surface of your phone.
When you touch that phone or bring it near your face without washing your hands, these bacteria can enter your body.
This can cause stomach diseases, food poisoning, skin infections and fungal infections.
(b) Effect on digestive system and risk of piles
The habit of using mobile while sitting on the toilet sometimes makes people sit there for 15-20 minutes or more. This puts extra pressure on the rectum, which can later cause problems like piles and constipation.
Sitting for a long time continuously hinders blood circulation in the pelvic region.
Digestion can slow down and stool does not come out completely.
(c) Back, waist and neck pain
Bending over the phone for a long time puts pressure on the spine. This can cause back and neck pain, muscle stiffness and poor posture.
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2. Negative effects on mental health
(a) Obstruction in the process of defecation
The purpose of the toilet is to clean the body in a natural way. But when the mind is completely engrossed in the phone, the process of defecation is not complete. This further affects digestion and gut health.
(b) Waste of time
Many times people lose track of time while scrolling mobile in the toilet. 5 minutes of work turns into 20 minutes.
This not only disrupts the routine, but also delays other important tasks.
It has a direct impact on productivity.
(c) Mental addiction and disconnection
Using mobile even in the toilet is a sign that the person is in dire need of digital detox. Gradually it becomes a habit and the person starts feeling uncomfortable without the mobile.
3. Social behavior and practical problems
(a) Social rudeness and inconvenience for others
Talking on the phone or watching videos in a public toilet can be inconvenient for others. This violates social etiquette.
(b) Risk of phone getting damaged
The most common disadvantage of using mobile in the toilet is – it falling or getting immersed in water. Falling water on the phone or getting dirt in it can damage both hardware and software.
If the phone is not waterproof, then once it falls, the whole system can get damaged.
There is also a risk of electric short circuit if the phone is touched with wet hands.
4. How to quit the habit of using the phone in the toilet?
If you want to know how using the phone in the toilet can be harmful, then it is also important to know the measures to prevent it.
(a) Keep the mobile outside the toilet
The first and direct solution is – leave the mobile outside while going to the toilet.
It may seem difficult initially, but gradually the habit will change.
(b) Make a habit of reading a book or magazine
If you have a habit of reading something in the toilet, then take a magazine or book instead of the mobile.
This will also have less impact on the eyes and the mind will also remain calm.
(c) Limit the time
Set a timer that reminds you not to spend more than 5 or 7 minutes.
This will curb the habit of sitting unnecessarily.
(d) Sanitize the phone
If it is necessary to carry the mobile, then sanitize it thoroughly after going out.
Clean the mobile screen with antibacterial wipes at least once a week.
5. What do experts say?
- Health experts believe that the toilet is a place where the focus should be on the body’s natural processes, not on digital distractions.
- According to the American Journal of Infection Control, bacteria are found on the surfaces of 90% of smartphones.
- Psychologists also say that using mobile phones in the toilet affects mental peace and concentration.
6. Warning for children and adolescents
- Nowadays children and adolescents have also started taking mobile phones to the toilet, which can harm their mental and physical development.
- Problems like piles are becoming common at a young age.
- Digital addiction starts in childhood, which can take a more serious form in the future.
- In this article, we learned how using a phone in the toilet can be harmful. This habit not only gives rise to physical diseases, but also causes mental fatigue, waste of time and social disagreement.
The toilet is used to clean the body, not for social media or playing games. If you want your body to be healthy, mind to be peaceful and life to be disciplined, then change this habit from today itself.
Small changes are the first step towards big improvements. Give yourself time, keep some distance from the mobile and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
