In a world that’s constantly connected through smartphones, the boundaries of phone usage seem to blur even in the most private of places, such as a public toilet.
A recent incident saw a man having a heated dispute with a cleaner inside a public toilet over him using his phone while on the toilet.
The Viral Incident
The incident, which took place on a day like any other, was brought to public attention through TikTok. A user, Garygaryocp, posted a short video clip on Sunday, October 15th, capturing an exchange between a man and a cleaner in a public toilet.
In the video, the cleaner is seen reprimanding the man for being engrossed in his phone while occupying the toilet stall. She told him off for using his phone, to which the man asks why can’t he use his phone inside the toilet.
The cleaner then tells him that he can’t do that because other people are waiting to use the toilet, before explaining that she had knocked on the door, which the man responded that he hadn’t finished.
The cleaner than accused the man of hogging the toilet and not actually using it, to which the man when questions her and asks her how would she know if he hadn’t used the toilet.
She then revealed that she had been listing to him and heard no flushing sounds inside, only the sounds of him playing with his phone.
The man then hits back and asked her if she is trying to say that he can’t use his phone while using the toilet, and who gave her the “rules” that he can’t.
The clenare then pointed out that there were other people waiting to use the toilet, and she also had to refill the toilet papers inside the cubicle, adding that she had been waiting for him for 20 minutes.
The video then cuts off.
This incident, while amusing to some, highlights a genuine dilemma in today’s digitally obsessed world. It begs the question: when does using a phone in a public toilet cause a problem?
The Cleaner’s Perspective
From the cleaner’s point of view, it’s a matter of courtesy and hygiene. Public restrooms are meant for quick and efficient use, and phone usage can unnecessarily prolong one’s stay.
Additionally, the cleaner has a duty to maintain cleanliness and restock supplies. In a bustling public toilet, her frustration is understandable.
The Phone User’s Perspective
On the other hand, the man’s defense revolves around personal freedom and the right to use his phone whenever and wherever he pleases.
After all, in this modern age, a smartphone is a source of entertainment, communication, and information. He may argue that if the toilet stall has a door, it’s a private space, and he should be allowed to do as he pleases.
@garygaryocp 事情往往有两方面，在没有把所有客观证据摆出来前，就把人关押，实属流氓行径，有损国家形象…
♬ original sound – Gary