Option 2 (the “over” orientation) is considered the correct way to hang toilet paper based on historical evidence, hygiene research, and user convenience.

The Evidence: Patent & Hygiene

1. The Original 1891 Patent: Seth Wheeler, the inventor who patented perforated toilet paper rolls in 1891, included detailed diagrams showing the paper hanging over the roll (Option 2), proving this was the intended design from its inception.
2. Hygiene & Germ Prevention: With the “over” orientation, your fingers only touch the sheet you intend to tear off. In the “under” position (Option 1), fingers are far more likely to brush against the wall, transferring bacteria to or from the wall surface.
3. Ease of Use: Hanging the loose end over the front makes it easier to locate, grab, and tear off cleanly without searching behind the roll.

The One Exception (Under / Option 1)

The “under” position is usually only preferred by households with cats or toddlers, as spinning the roll top-down unwinds the paper if hung “over,” whereas the “under” position prevents it from unrolling onto the floor.

Engagement-Farming Design

While the debate is lighthearted, posts like this use classic clickbait tropes:

• The Curiosity Hook: Adding “The Answer Might Surprise You” creates an artificial curiosity gap to encourage clicks.
• Comment Debates: Because people hold strong opinions on everyday household habits, two-choice image polls generate massive comment activity, boosting the post across social media algorithms.