Canadians Spend Days on the Toilet—Thanks to Their Phones

Remember when bathrooms had a stack of Reader’s Digests or a well-worn copy of Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader? Well, those days have officially gone down the drain.
According to a new survey by a bathroom supplies company (yes, that’s a real thing), nearly half of us are scrolling through our phones while… taking care of business. And it adds up — that’s over 48 hours a year spent texting, swiping, and doomscrolling from the comfort of the porcelain throne.
RELATED: ‘Toilet Flowers’ Are the Latest Unhinged Bathroom Decor Trend: Enter the ‘Pooquet’
What Exactly Are We Doing While Sitting on the Throne?
Turns out, we’re not just answering nature’s call — we’re catching up on everything from celebrity gossip to Candy Crush. Here’s what people confessed to doing on the loo:
- Social media scrolling – 66%
- Watching videos – 40%
- Texting and replying to DMs – 37%
- Reading the news – 36%
- Answering emails – 36%
- Playing games – 29%
- Online shopping – 14%
- Work stuff (ugh) – 9%
- Talking on the phone – 8%
- Answering video calls – 2% (We're gonna need a bigger “Do Not Disturb” sign.)
Yes, you read that right. Two percent of people are brave (or bonkers) enough to hop on a video call while on the john. We're not sure what's worse — that they do it, or that someone’s on the other end of that call.
It’s Not Just About Passing Time…
For many, the washroom has become a full-on sanctuary. Over 60% of folks admit they’ll sit a little longer just to finish whatever they’re doing on their phones — whether it’s watching cat videos or ordering socks they don’t need.
Even more revealing? 42% use the bathroom as a hideaway from their roommates, partners, or kids. It's not just a restroom — it’s a panic room with a plunger.
And for 51%, it’s about that sweet, sweet alone time. No emails. No small talk. Just you, your phone, and the soothing hum of the bathroom fan.
So the next time someone disappears for a suspiciously long time with their phone in hand, don’t judge. They’re probably not just scrolling — they’re reclaiming their peace… one flush at a time.
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