Gen Zers have started to blame their cellphones for a new condition that is affecting their pinkies. This condition, known as “phone pinky,” refers to a bend, bump, or dent in the pinkie finger that is caused by the weight of a phone resting on the fifth digit for extended periods of time. The condition gained traction on TikTok recently, with influencers sharing and comparing their bent pinkies, leading to a viral trend with over 163 million posts about it so far.
Many TikTokers have expressed concern about their phone pinkies, with some showing off their deformed little fingers and comparing them to others. Some influencers have even shared videos examining the dents and dents on their pinkies, sparking conversations and commiseration among social media users. The confessions have prompted some individuals to take a break from their phones and reconsider how they hold their devices.
Despite the trend, experts note that pinky anatomy varies widely and there is no official diagnosis for smartphone pinky. Dr. Peter Evans, an orthopedic surgeon, warns that propping up a phone on the pinky could compress a nerve and cause numbness or tingling. Excessive cellphone use can also lead to joint problems in other parts of the body. The trend is reminiscent of “Blackberry Thumb,” a similar issue that arose with the popularity of Blackberry devices in the early 2000s.
Some social media users have used the phone pinky trend to highlight being double-jointed or having an abnormality following a bone fracture. Tips to address concerns about contorting the pinky include reevaluating how one holds their phone, using a phone stand, or attaching a grip aid like a PopSocket to the back of the device. Depending on how long someone has had the condition, it may take time to disappear, and serious concerns should be addressed by a physical therapist who can recommend exercises and stretches.
Overall, limiting screen time may be the most effective solution to prevent or alleviate phone pinky. Studies have shown that members of Generation Z spend over six hours on their phones per day, while millennials are plugged in for over four and a half hours daily. By reducing phone usage and taking breaks to stretch and exercise the fingers and hands, individuals can potentially avoid developing issues related to smartphone use.
