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Odd Choices, Space For Media Consumption

An opportunity for media consumption?

Been trying to figure this out. Both toilet booths don't have their own toilet paper holder - the user needs to reach outside to grab some sheets. First time you need to go you end up with none and have to open the door, reach outside. Second time and you are more likely to over-estimate need and take too much paper.

Many Chinese public toilets don't have doors individual booths - is this an obscure attempt to increase the sociability of the (mainly western) users of this toilet?

In many cultures the toilet is: a private space; where the user has one or two hands free some of the time; that is socially acceptable to enter a number of times during the day (though there can be a social stigma associated with staying too long if this is tracked) - making it perfect for short bursts of communication or media consumption. Women have the relative advantage in that sitting typically takes longer than standing and provides more opportunity for two handed device interaction.

Writing from Chengdu | December 18, 2005 | Permalink


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