Not without my cell phone: 42 percent sit on the toilet with their smartphone

In our increasingly connected world, the smartphone seems to be an indispensable companion - even on the toilet. A current survey by YouGov on behalf of the online retailer Galaxus provides insightful insights into the usage behavior of Europeans on the quiet place. Particularly striking: almost half of Austrians say they regularly use their smartphone in the toilet.

Generational differences and regional trends

The survey, in which more than 2,500 people from Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and France took part, shows clear differences in cell phone use between generations. While around 71 percent of those under 30 say they regularly use their cell phones in the toilet, the figure is only 24 percent of those over 60. Usage is particularly pronounced in Italy, where 63 percent of those surveyed prefer to use their smartphone in the toilet.

Gender differences and content use

Interestingly, there are also slight gender differences: 52 percent of men, but only 43 percent of women, use their cell phones in this private situation. The content consumed is diverse: social media comes first at 67 percent, followed by news (40 percent) and chat apps such as WhatsApp or Signal (37 percent). Gaming and e-mail consumption are also popular activities.

Health aspects

Constantly using your smartphone on the toilet is not just a question of passing time, but also raises hygiene questions. Microbiologists warn that germs can accumulate on cell phones, especially if the display or case is scratched. Regular cleaning of the device and hands is recommended to minimize the health risk.

Questions and answers about using the toilet:

Question 1: How many Austrians regularly use their cell phone in the toilet?
Answer 1: 42 percent of Austrians regularly use their cell phone in the toilet.

Question 2: Which age group uses the cell phone most often in the toilet?
Answer 2: Those under 30 use their cell phones most often in the toilet, with a share of 71 percent.

Question 3: What content is used most frequently?
Answer 3: Social media is the most frequently consumed content at 67 percent, followed by news and chats.

Question 4: Are there differences between men and women when it comes to using cell phones in the toilet?
Answer 4: Yes, more men (52 percent) than women (43 percent) use their smartphone in the toilet.

Question 5: What about cell phone hygiene?
Answer 5: Experts recommend cleaning your cell phone and hands regularly as germs can accumulate on cell phones.

Conclusion

Using smartphones in the toilet reflects our deep-rooted relationship with digital devices. Although young people are particularly active, it turns out that no age group is completely immune to the pull of the digital world, even in the most intimate moments. Not only does this raise questions of social appropriateness and distraction, but it also highlights the need for good hygiene practices. However, it is up to everyone how they spend their time on the toilet - with or without a digital companion.

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Source: press release ; the standard

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