New kind of multi-tasking: nearly 66% of Canadians use their phone on the toilet
A new study has found the toilet is a popular place for Canadians to use their smartphones.
The study by Nord VPN, a cybersecurity company, found that the need to stay connected extends into washrooms, with 66 per cent of Canadians using them while on the toilet.
"We asked, 'what do people do on the toilet?’ Like, do they take their smartphone with them and, well, quite a lot of people actually are," said Adrianus Warmenhoven, of Nord VPN.
Warmenhoven said it's not hard to understand why.
"It’s very private, you can watch some things on the screen that you might not be able to do otherwise in a busy environment like an office or at home," he said.
"I can still remember the people before smartphones usually reading books."
In Sudbury, some people told CTV News the handheld devices help them stay connected.
"My cellphone’s pretty important to me," said Maureen Hughson, who was walking in Sudbury’s Bell Park on Tuesday.
"I like my cellphone."
"Definitely really important," said Jackie Touzin. "Being a single full-time mom, it is honestly my only way of getting in touch with school and my son’s specialist."
Touzin's son has cognitive autism, so her phone is always close by.
"I’m his only person that can help him," she said. "So for me it’s really important for getting in touch with people or emergency services."
The survey, which saw more than 9,000 people participate in various countries, found more than 65 per cent of Canadians use a phone in the bathroom.
"I do bring it to the washroom, all the time," said Touzin.
"But, I definitely do think I use it the most when I’m in the living room, even though I’m watching TV, I’ll still be on my phone going through emails, reading up news or information."
Although nearly 66 per cent of Canadians admit to using their cellphones while on the toilet, other countries are also in on the trend. Spain actually had the most responses with 80 per cent admitting to taking their phone with them when they do their business.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.