Across the skies, something unusual is taking flight among Gen Z travelers, and it’s called "raw dogging"—the practice of going on flights without any distractions.
Unlike most passengers who would typically fill their air time with movies or books, raw doggers opt for absolute silence, making it quite the spectacle on social media.
One TikTok user, known as @oiwudini, shared his unique experience on the platform, stating, "Just rawdogged a 7-hour flight. No headphones, no movie, no water... The power of my mind knows no bounds.”
This video captured the attention of millions, amassing over 14 million views and leading to many similar attempts from others, particularly men aiming to showcase their mental resilience.
Even high-profile celebrities like Manchester City soccer star Erling Haaland and British rapper ArrDee have jumped on this bandwagon, sharing their own no-distraction flights.
But why the bizarre term "raw dogging"? The origins of this trend remain unclear, yet one thing is certain: for Raw Doggers, it’s all about proving mental stamina during what some perceive as the ultimate challenge.
While the raw dog phenomenon makes for entertaining viral content, health experts are sounding alarms about its risks. They’re concerned not just about dehydration but also extreme mental stress caused by the lack of stimulation.
Dr. Sophie Mort, a mental health expert from Headspace, pointed out, "Switching off has its benefits, but moderation is key,” noting the importance of balancing mindfulness with basic human needs.
She warned against the risks associated with long stretches of inactivity, emphasizing how critical it is to stay hydrated and nourished during flights.
Experts have cited the potential dangers of this trend, particularly the risk of deep vein thrombosis, which occurs when blood clots form due to prolonged immobility.
Psychotherapist Gin Lalli vehemently slammed the trend, saying, "I really have no idea why anyone would do it. You’re better off sleeping than raw-dogging.”
She argues these stunts could do more harm than good, making flights less zen and instead causing elevated stress levels and anxiety.
Eloise Skinner, another mental health advocate, raised concerns about extreme mindfulness practices. She warned these could lead to feelings of disassociation and disembodiment—when one feels disconnected from their body.
“Especially on flights, movement is important,” Skinner stressed, noting the critical role activity plays in preventing health risks.
Conventional advice during air travel suggests regular movement and hydration, factors starkly ignored by raw doggers.
Experts suggest a more balanced approach to mindfulness. Instead of extreme practices, incorporating short reflection periods with adequate food, water, and light entertainment is much safer.
“Small, manageable steps are always better than extreme practices,” emphasized Lalli, who advocates for more sustainable behavior when traveling.
While the thermic joys of capturing viral moments are tempting, experts agree sometimes those moments come at the cost of wellbeing. The actions sparked by this trend challenge the boundaries of safe travel and mental wellness.
With the rise of social media, validation through daring stunts often turns to dangerous extremes. Taking mindful living to such levels may not only be harmful but could also lead to unintended consequences.
"Raw dogging" might intrigue some, but experts firmly believe it’s time to prioritize personal health over viral fame, highlighting the need for balance and moderation in any practice.
The societal push toward mindfulness and digital detoxing is commendable, but it should not come at the expense of basic physical needs.
For many, flying might have turned from enjoying some downtime to distressing self-imposed challenges for social media clout.
Eventually, the allure of being “raw doggers” could fade, but the repercussions on health might remain, reminding everyone of the delicate balance between pushing personal limits and safeguarding one’s wellbeing.
Thus, as Gen Z navigates their identity and lifestyles, perhaps the time has come to rethink the merits and pitfalls of living mindfully without losing sight of human needs.
Awareness and caution can go hand-in-hand, encouraging travelers to make choices based on what promotes genuine wellness rather than temporary online recognition.