Privacy, Pressure, and the Fear of Being Heard

A toilet stall offers some kind of privacy but that doesn’t always translate to comfort, especially when it comes to going number two. According to the survey, 45% of Americans feel uncomfortable using a restroom for a bowel movement in public settings, such as restaurants, museums, or events.

The discomfort is shaped by gender, environment, and proximity to others. Nearly half of all women (49%) say they feel uneasy doing so in public, and 1 in 3 experience that same discomfort at work.

Even though younger generations are generally more open and uninhibited, 16% of Gen Z respondents say they feel bathroom shame at school or college, especially when others are in earshot.

1 in 4 respondents report feeling uncomfortable when the stall has an open top or bottom. Even though it’s a common design feature, it’s often overlooked, yet deeply unsettling to many. Instead of offering a true sense of privacy, these partial enclosures can heighten anxiety, self-consciousness, and the feeling of being exposed. For a space that’s meant to provide relief, the lack of visual and acoustic separation often does the opposite: it reinforces discomfort rather than easing it. 

Modern restrooms may meet physical needs, but not always emotional ones. Design, social norms, and emotional safety are all part of the equation, and they’re still evolving.

Shame of Going in Front of a Partner Affects Millions

Among younger adults, 14% of those aged 25 to 34 say they struggle to have a bowel movement if their partner is nearby. Even in intimate relationships, the pressure to appear composed and “in control” extends into the restroom. It’s a reminder that for many, bodily functions still carry a quiet sense of vulnerability, even in the most trusted spaces. What should be routine becomes something to hide, revealing how deep-rooted bathroom shame can be.

About the Survey

The survey was commissioned by Nationwide Waste Service and conducted by the independent research institute Censuswide. A total of 2,000 US adults (18+) participated between April 2 and April 4, 2025, including 873 men and 1,127 women. The survey was conducted online and included participants from all 50 US states. The sample was balanced across gender, region, and age groups to broadly represent the US adult population.

The full results of the Great Bathroom Survey, offering insights into the rise of screen time during bathroom breaks can be explored at https://nationwidewasteservice.com/the-secret-getaway-the-public-restroom/