Scrolling through Instagram while sitting on the toilet isn’t exactly new, but young people today are taking it much further. A viral phenomenon known as 'bathroom camping' has gained traction on TikTok, where Gen Z users share videos of themselves spending hours in bathrooms, not for hygiene or necessity, but to escape everyday stressors.
Unlike older generations who might unwind with a walk or a nap, many young adults and teens are gravitating toward bathrooms as makeshift safe zones. Locked stalls offer a rare moment of privacy in a constantly connected world, shielding them from overstimulation, social demands, and sometimes even toxic family dynamics.
One TikTok creator, @Hendo, described his longtime habit of bathroom camping as “just me and me in that bathroom, no windows, nothing to distract.” For him and many others, this small, enclosed space provides a sanctuary where they can process their thoughts, listen to music, vape, or simply zone out without judgment.
From self-care to survival
While some view bathroom camping as a harmless, even quirky form of self-care, mental health professionals point out that it can also be a sign of underlying emotional distress. Behaviors like spending extended time alone in bathrooms or showers are sometimes linked to anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
Though many find solace behind a locked bathroom door, critics note that occupying public or workplace restrooms for long stretches can create practical problems. When stalls are tied up for extended periods, it inconveniences those who genuinely need to use the facilities. Some workplaces have quietly begun addressing the issue by creating dedicated wellness or quiet rooms to offer employees an alternative space to decompress.
A digital generation’s private retreat
Experts say bathroom camping underscores a broader trend among Gen Z, an urgent need for boundaries in a hyperconnected, high-pressure environment. Unlike earlier generations who may have felt obligated to remain socially present, young people today are unapologetic about prioritising their mental health-even if that means retreating to a bathroom stall.
This behavior is closely related to other 'micro-escapes' that have spread online, such as sitting in parked cars after work, taking long showers to decompress, or lying on the floor to process feelings, a practice sometimes referred to as 'flatlining.'
