What is the phenomenon of iPhone pinky? Explanation of the TikTok health scare

TikTok users are in a frenzy over the trending ‘iPhone pinky’ condition that appears to have affected many individuals. So, what exactly is this phenomenon known as iPhone pinky?

Despite its popularity, TikTok has faced numerous health concerns in the past. Dangerous trends have circulated, such as electrocution methods and celebrities consuming poisonous plants. Additionally, the platform has been linked to cases of self-harm among teenagers through challenges like chroming.

Despite this, the majority of these trends are unrelated to the app itself and are simply shared on it. The most recent health concern circulating on TikTok is a supposed ‘deformity’ that users believe is caused by excessive use of the app. This phenomenon has been dubbed “iPhone pinky”.

Therefore, what exactly is iPhone Pinky, how are individuals obtaining it, and how can you determine if you possess it?

What is iPhone pinky?

The condition of iPhone pinky, also known as phone pinky, is often self-diagnosed and has two primary symptoms. The first is a noticeable indentation between the two interior knuckles of the dominant hand’s pinky finger. The second is a bent or curved appearance of the pinky finger when the hand is at rest.

The cause of this minor deformity has been attributed to heavy phone usage, specifically when scrolling through the TikTok app. A simple search for “phone pinky”yields over 163 million posts discussing the phenomenon, with many creators sharing their own experiences of having it.

@morg.124
time to take a brain break…. #pinky #iphonepinky #pinkyfinger #addicted #phone #socialmedia #genz #phone #screentimelimits #screentime #brainbreak

♬ Titanic flute fail – kate dwyer

The TikTok video by morg.124 showcased her significant phone usage, which resulted in some noticeable dents. It seems like her followers are also experiencing similar consequences.

One viewer commented with a crying emoji, saying, “We all received it.”Another viewer sympathized, saying, “I feel the same way, girl.”

@girlboss4lyfe
i think i win this trend #iphonepinky #broken #dislocated

♬ Army Dreamers – Kate Bush

TikTok user girlboss4lyfe displayed her own pinky finger, using its severe bend as evidence of iPhone Pinky. This video surprised the 1.4 million people who viewed it on the app.

Some commenters expressed shock, with one saying, “My jaw dropped.”Another quickly removed their pinky from under their phone and pledged to change their habits. Many others also admitted to experiencing “iPhone pinky”themselves.

What do doctors say about iPhone pinky?

Currently, there is no official medical diagnosis for iPhone pinky. According to Dr. Peter Evans, an Orthopedic Surgeon at Cleveland Clinic, pinky anatomy can vary greatly. This suggests that the indentations or resting bend that TikTokers are associating with iPhone pinky may simply be a natural variation in anatomy.

According to Evans, individuals who believe they have smartphone pinky may also have an underlying condition. Excessive cellphone usage has been linked to various joint issues. While some reports of harm may be exaggerated, there are legitimate cases of severe and lasting damage.

Despite not having ‘iPhone pinky’, the indentation on your finger could potentially be caused by excessive phone usage. According to Evans, regularly placing your phone on your pinky can damage the nerves in that finger. As a precaution, it may be best to avoid resting your phone in that spot.