Potty Talk
Jessica Simpson is causing a stir. And no, it is not speculation about her baby bump although you can read about that almost every day. What Jessica did was post a picture via Twitter of her in the bathroom. It was supposed to be a cutesy photograph, illustrating how short people have issues with high toilets, but it backfired. One, it is really too much information, even if the picture is only showing her legs, and two, we now have proof that yes, she takes her phone out in a public restroom and uses it, and lastly, she is not wearing any shoes! Granted she was in a classier restroom than most of us normally visit, but still. 
Not that she is in the minority since 56% of cell phone uses have admitted to doing the same thing. Recent research shows: 70% of individuals are talking followed by 62% texting; 27% are playing games, and 20% listen to music; 19% are social networking, and the final 13% are using location-based services like Foursquare.
And I have three words for you. DON’T DO IT. But of course you don’t.
In case you haven’t read about the recent survey of our public restrooms, your worst fears are confirmed, there are too many germs to count. MSNBC covers this in more detail. Four aircrafts and eighteen other establishments, like fast food restaurants had their faucets, paper-dispenser levers, and door handles cultured.
Now I have to admit taking my phone in restrooms. BUT, it is in my pocket, or if I don’t have a pocket I am carrying it. I have to say that I prefer the pocket scenario even with having had one drop in the toilet. And I do put a paper towel down before setting it down. Looks like that is not safe either. Maybe it is time to start carrying a purse again.
Since I know that none of you make calls, or text or listen to music while in the restroom, you can just tell me about all that people that you know that do.
Leigh AAR
Absolutely, Leigh. And that’s why I mentioned in my post that I referring to healthy people and not those who are ill and vulnerable to infections. When we are dealing with healthy individuals, though, I really do feel that sometimes we go overboard in trying to be germ-free. But we can’t be so blasé that we forget the very basics, such as washing hands in certain situations and being careful around people who have the flu and colds.
Sandy and Tee,
The big fuss is in the statement too many to count. While our homes have germs, they are typically not in that volume. I am not overly paranoid about germs, but I am conscious of it since I do work with individual with suppressed immune systems. I take it seriously when there are that many germs.
LeeB, I am a little addicted to my iPhone, but there are limits!
A client at work recently did have her phone in the stall and was answering calls. I thought that was weird.
Now I read in the bathroom…almost always, so I guess I really cannot criticise anything other people bring in with them. Hey, whatever works for you! I have never taken my shoes off in a public restroom…at least not so far :-) People who take things in the restroom have gotta remember three things (1) wash your hands before AND after (2) wipe off the device before AND after and last, but certainly the most important (3) Close the lid immediately upon standing
I agree with you, Tee. What’s the big fuss? Germs are everywhere. I regularly wipe my phone down with a disinfectant wipe and that’s the best I can do.
Since there’s so many germs already present in the bathroom and I’ve already given up on trying to eradicate all of them, why not bring the cell phone there. It goes everyplace else and other people occasionally use it (and who knows what stuff they’re carrying on their hands). I look at it two ways. The world, my home, whatever, will never be totally free of germs. It just is impossible. Plus, the continuous exposure we have to all these germs (as long as they’re not the dangerous super ones that defy all antibiotics) actually give us some immunity to them in the future.
So what’s a few germs between friends? We all touch shopping cart handles, door knobs, flush public toilets, use stair rails, etc. What about those restaurant devices we hold while waiting to get a table? Then we eat without even thinking of washing up first. We may wash our hands after using the bathroom, but then touch the lever to turn the water off. We’re screwed. We need to be responsible and do the things we can to diminish access to germs, but going overboard does not really take care of them totally either. So, do all you can without having to stay inside of a bubble all day long, but then let it go.
I’m addressing healthy individuals here and not the people who have immune systems that are vulnerable due to illness, chronic or not, or any other conditions that warrant absolute adherence to “no touching.”