More than 71% of Americans never let go of their smartphones: They bring them to bed and to the toilet

NordVPN’s latest studies reveal that Americans' daily routines — from the bed to the bathroom — are dominated by their smartphones.

Recent research findings by cybersecurity company NordVPN show how Americans use their smartphones in two of the most private spaces. The data revealed that a significant majority (87%) bring their smart devices to bed, while 71% use their smartphones while on the toilet. These insights illustrate how indispensable smartphones have become in various aspects of everyday routines.

Although these percentages highlight the significant role smartphones play in daily routines, even in private settings, many people still lack awareness of safe online habits.

“Despite the rise of cyber threats like malware and ransomware, many underestimate the risks lurking in the digital world. Every day, Americans might unknowingly put themselves at risk by downloading suspicious files or sharing too much personal information online, potentially exposing themselves to identity theft, financial loss, and other significant consequences,” warns Adrianus Warmenhoven, cybersecurity advisor at NordVPN.

Using social media: The main activity for Americans in both private areas

While most Americans (65%) check their emails and messages while in bed, it is no surprise that scrolling through social media is one of the main activities for Americans on the toilet, according to both studies. While 57% of Americans engage in this activity during their private bathroom moments, a slightly bigger proportion, 59%, do so while in bed.

Other popular activities in bed for Americans include watching videos (54%) and TV shows or movies (47%), checking the weather forecast (43%), and gaming (34%). Meanwhile, on the toilet, Americans prefer call or message people (39%), watch videos, movies or television programs (35%), and gaming (34%).

“Social media keeps us connected with friends but also exposes us to risks such as privacy loopholes, false information, and cyber threats like identity theft, harassment, and cyberbullying. To keep our personal information safe, it's vital to manage privacy settings diligently, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and be cautious about the content we share,” says Warmenhoven.

Always connected: The impact of smartphones on daily life

Technology is increasingly merging our professional and private lives, offering flexibility but also heightening privacy risks.

“The phenomenon of nomophobia — the fear of being without a mobile phone — shows just how much we depend on our digital connections, which can lead to serious health and security issues. The concept of 'micro-leisure' highlights our constant need to have smartphones within reach at all times, providing quick breaks and brief moments of relaxation in our busy schedules. However, this always-connected lifestyle requires us to be consistently mindful of cybersecurity threats,” says Warmenhoven.

Reminder of safe cybersecurity habits for peace of mind

Using a smartphone on your pillow or on the toilet for work or entertainment may be convenient and sometimes even necessary.

However, beyond the risk of dropping your phone into the toilet, an accident 20% of Americans admit to, cybersecurity expert Adrianus Warmenhoven offers vital tips on protecting your online safety:

• Keep your apps and operating systems up to date. Don’t skip software updates.

• Use strong passwords, don’t reuse them, and keep them safe.

• Don’t trust suspicious links, even if you get them from your friends.

• Don’t overshare — only provide the necessary information. You don’t always need to provide your address or date of birth to create accounts.

• Avoid unofficial app stores. They are more likely to contain malicious apps.

• Being vigilant. Don’t click on suspicious links, and be wary of unknown numbers.

• Set up two-factor-authorization (2FA) where possible.

• Use a VPN. VPNs encrypt your data, providing additional protection against snoopers and hackers.

Methodology: The bed and gadgets survey was commissioned by NordVPN and conducted by the external company Cint on February 12-March 4, 2024. The smartphone usage in the bathroom survey was commissioned by NordVPN and conducted by the external company Cint on January 19-26, 2022. The sample was taken from national internet users. Quotas were placed on age, gender, and place of residence. In total, in the bed and gadgets survey, 15,600 people were surveyed — 800 people from Spain and Switzerland each and 1,000 people from each of the remaining countries. In the smartphone usage in the bathroom survey, 9,800 people were surveyed in total, made up of 800 people from Spain and 1,000 people from each of the remaining countries.

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