Let’s be honest — plenty of us have taken our phones into the bathroom for a quick scroll or even a cheeky gaming session. Whether it’s grinding dailies or squeezing in a few matches, it’s become second nature.
But a new study coming out of Harvard is putting that habit under the spotlight — and the findings aren’t exactly comfortable reading.
Harvard Study Links Phone Use to Health Risks
A study published in PLOS One by researchers from Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has found that using your smartphone while sitting on the toilet is linked to a 46% increased risk of hemorrhoids.
The research followed 125 adults during routine colonoscopy screenings. Out of those, around two-thirds admitted they regularly used their phones in the bathroom — and nearly half showed visible signs of hemorrhoids.
What stood out most? People using their phones were far more likely to sit there longer than they should.
It’s Not Just Scrolling — Gaming Could Be Worse
The study mainly tracked activities like reading news (54%) and scrolling social media (44%). But here’s the catch — gaming wasn’t even properly measured.
And that’s where things get interesting for us.
Mobile games are designed to keep you hooked. Between daily rewards, battle passes, timers, and “just one more match” moments, it’s incredibly easy to lose track of time. What feels like five minutes can quickly turn into 20 or even 30 without you realising.
That kind of extended sitting is exactly what the study warns against.
What’s Actually Happening to Your Body?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum that can cause pain, itching, and bleeding — not exactly something you want to deal with.
The position you sit in on the toilet already puts pressure on that area. Add prolonged sitting into the mix, and it increases the chances of problems developing.
Doctors also warn that long-term habits like this can contribute to more serious issues, including pelvic floor problems and other complications.
The “Five Minute Rule”
One key takeaway from the research is simple: don’t sit on the toilet for more than five minutes.
Sounds easy, right? Not quite.
The study found that 37% of smartphone users regularly went beyond that limit — compared to just 7% of people who didn’t bring their phones in.
That’s a massive difference, and it shows just how much your phone is extending your time there.
Real Talk for Gamers
This isn’t about telling you to stop gaming — far from it. But it might be worth changing where you play.
If you’re taking your phone into the bathroom for a quick session, you’re probably staying longer than you think. And over time, that could genuinely impact your health.
The simplest fix? Leave your phone outside.
If that’s not happening anytime soon, at least set a timer. Five minutes. No exceptions.
Because let’s face it — no daily reward, leaderboard rank, or battle pass unlock is worth dealing with the kind of issues this study is highlighting.
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