Let’s be honest—if bathrooms could talk, they’d probably file a harassment case against us. Gone are the days when the toilet was just a humble spot to “go” in peace.
Now, it’s our unofficial movie theatre, Instagram deep-dive station, podcast pitstop, and yes, a TikTok screening zone. Whether you’re watching dog reels, stalking your ex’s new girlfriend, or losing track of time in a cricket meme spiral, your toilet has officially been promoted to ‘content consumption chamber’. But beneath this innocent scroll lies a sinister truth—your bottom isn’t built for binge-watching on the couch.
Your Phone’s Not the Only Thing Getting Pressured
Sitting for too long on the toilet doesn’t just kill time—it kills your rectal peace. “Many people spend hours on phones in the toilet, which can cause haemorrhoids or piles,” warns Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals, Mumbai, while in conversation with Hindustan Times.
“The pressure created by resting on the toilet seat can engorge veins in your rectal area, leading to painful swelling, irritation, and bleeding during bowel movements.” And no, it doesn’t help if you bring a book instead of a phone. Even Jane Austen wouldn’t recommend a 45-minute poop-and-prose session.
Dr Rajeev Premnath, Laparoscopic Surgeon at Hitech Hernia Centre, Bengaluru, piles on the warning (pun intended), saying: “The design of a toilet seat positions the rectum lower than the rest of the buttocks. This, combined with gravity, causes blood to pool in the veins, significantly increasing the likelihood of haemorrhoids.” So next time you think you’re relaxing, just remember: your rear is revolting.
How Long Is Too Long? Time to Set an Alarm
You might think the toilet is your safe space for existential thinking, relationship analysis, or plotting your dream home interior. But your bowels disagree. “One should not spend more than 7 minutes in the toilet. The maximum will be 10 minutes, but don’t exceed that,” says Dr Agarwal.
“Many people spend 30 to 45 minutes, and this has become a growing matter of concern.” That means, if you’re watching a full 3-minute reel compilation of dance fails, you’ve already overstayed your welcome. And no, sitting there “just in case something happens” is not bowel logic—it’s body betrayal.
Dr Premnath offers the golden rule: “Don’t be distracted. Keep your toilet time to a maximum of five minutes. If you’re constipated, try again later.” The toilet is not a therapist. If your problems aren’t leaving your body, step out and let your mind reboot elsewhere.
Squatting: Nature’s Original Flush Mechanism
Modern toilets may look sleek, but they’re also messing with your poop posture. “The angle of the hips and knees in a seated posture does not ensure optimal alignment for easier elimination,” says Dr Agarwal.
“Squatting or using a footstool to elevate your feet creates a more natural pathway through which the body can discharge waste efficiently.” Yes, the humble Indian squat toilet got it right all along.
So if you’re struggling to go, no need to pray to your gut gods—just raise your legs a little. Your intestines might just throw a surprise party.
Basically, the poop game is 90% posture and 10% patience.
Your Toilet-Scrolling Bacteria Buffet
Your phone is dirtier than your toilet seat. But if you’re using your phone on the toilet seat, congratulations—you’ve created a microbial dating app. “Taking a mobile to the toilet itself is a strict no-no,” Dr Agarwal declares.
“One can also have gastroenteritis, cholera, typhoid and hepatitis.” That’s right. Your innocent Instagram reel binge could end in hepatitis – a plot twist. If you think washing your hands alone will save you, joke’s on you. Your phone is now the plague carrier.
So maybe, for once, leave your phone outside and reconnect with your thoughts. Or stare at the wall and accept that life isn’t always entertaining.
Sitting Is the New Smoking (Yes, Even on the Toilet)
Toilet sitting is just the tip of the sedentary iceberg. “Whether it’s due to work or personal habits, sitting for long stretches without movement leads to poor blood circulation and sluggish bowel function,” says Dr Premnath. “This inactivity increases the risk of haemorrhoids by disrupting regular bowel movements and heightening constipation.” It’s like this: your intestines are the introverts of your body. They won’t work unless you move first.
Walking for just 15–30 minutes a day improves blood flow, strengthens your rectal muscles, and helps you poop like a boss. Add fibre, stay hydrated, and you might just avert a bathroom crisis.
Also Read: AI Could Detect Diseases Like Cancer, Kidney Failure From Your Stool In Smart Toilets
This Is a Global Epidemic… of Toilet Doomscrolling
If you thought this was just an Indian issue, think again. We’re all collectively scrolling our way into piles. A NordVPN survey found that 53.4% of people use their phones on the toilet. In India, with over 750 million smartphone users, that’s a whole lot of backsides at risk. And given the increasing number of people working from home, the toilet now doubles up as a second office.
Global or local—this trend is silently snowballing into a health crisis, with doctors treating more haemorrhoid cases than ever before. All because people can’t finish their “for you” page outside the bathroom.
Scroll Responsibly, Wipe Wisely
Here’s something to ruin your next reel-scrolling session: your bathroom isn’t a spa. It’s a bacteria playground—and you’re the star performer.
Bathrooms are loaded with microbes like E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and Clostridium difficile—the kind that don’t just hang out politely on surfaces. When you flush, they rise up in a fine mist (called a “toilet plume”, which sounds like a Harry Potter curse but is much worse) and settle… right on your toothbrush, soap, and you guessed it—your phone. “One can also have gastroenteritis, cholera, typhoid and hepatitis,” warns Dr Manjusha Agarwal.
Gastroenteritis is not a fancy dish—it’s the stomach-flipping, diarrhoea-causing aftermath of your toilet TikTok marathons. Typhoid and hepatitis? Even less fun. And if you’re the kind who brings snacks into the loo—please stop. Just stop.
So, what can you do to avoid this horror show?
- No phones in the toilet. Seriously, it’s not worth it. If boredom strikes, count the tiles.
- Close the toilet lid before flushing. Stop the poop mist before it flies.
- Wash your hands like you’re about to perform surgery. Then disinfect your phone, too.
- Use a squatty potty or footstool to help you poop faster and more efficiently.
- Stay hydrated and eat fibre. Think of it as prepping your body not to sit like a zombie.
- Walk. Stretch. Move. You’re not a potted plant. Don’t sit like one.
Your toilet is already doing its job—don’t make it your phone’s job site, either. Keep your content consumption and digestion in separate corners of the house.
Sources:Hindustan Times, Indian Express, Economic Times
Find the blogger: Katyayani Joshi
This post is tagged under: toilet habits, phone addiction, hemorrhoids awareness, gut health, social media detox, bathroom scrolling, public health, indian lifestyle, toilet tips, hygiene awareness, digital health, funny but true, scroll less poop better, health first reels later, quirky health tips, stop scrolling start moving, gastro health, healthy pooping, toilet time truths, poop with purpose
Disclaimer: We do not hold any right, copyright over any of the images used, these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly mail us.
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