The only public toilet stall you should use, according to experts

When faced with multiple stalls in a public restroom, the choice of which to use might seem arbitrary, but research suggests a pattern in human behavior and a potential for selecting a cleaner option.

Experts point to the "centrality preference," where most people instinctively choose middle options, whether it's cards in a deck or stalls in a restroom. This tendency means the end stalls, particularly the first one nearest the entrance, are often less frequently used.

Studies, including one published in "Psychological Science" in 1995, have observed this behavior. Researchers tracked toilet paper usage and found that middle stalls accounted for a significantly higher percentage of consumption compared to end stalls, indicating their greater popularity.

Further analysis has explored gender differences, with both men and women showing a preference for middle stalls. However, men were more likely to use the stall closest to the entrance when layout differences existed, while women tended to choose the one furthest from the door.

Despite the potential for the first stall to be less used, experts caution that perceived cleanliness does not guarantee actual hygiene. Viruses like norovirus can cause illness even with minimal exposure. Therefore, the most critical aspect of public restroom use remains rigorous hand hygiene, including thorough washing and drying, and avoiding re-contamination.