The digital age has ushered us not only endless entertainment options on flights but also some quirky new trends. One such trend, dubbed "raw-dogging," has emerged as travelers are opting for boredom over multimedia distractions during their airborne journeys.
It seems Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is at the forefront of this strange phenomenon. He recently shared his experience of enduring a grueling seven-hour flight back to England with no distractions, posting, "Just raw-dogged a seven-hour flight. No phone, no sleep, no water, no food. Only map. Easy."
But what exactly does this mean? The term "raw-dogging" refers to flying without any form of entertainment, such as phones, music, or food, and just focusing on the flight itself.
This minimalist approach caught fire on platforms like TikTok, where travelers document their experiences of sitting quietly and staring straight ahead. One user even recounted going over ten hours without food, water, or sleep, raising eyebrows for the risky nature of this approach.
The trend gained momentum not only among fans but also gained attention from game developers. Rawdog Airlines has created the "Rawdog Simulator," allowing players to replicate this odd routine from the comfort of their homes.
Players simply need to create and enter fake airline credentials, embarking on their digital flights. Things take off with special messages, like "Engines warming up... Eye tracker booting..." ensuring the immersive experience caters to players engaging with the simulator.
Participants must focus their gaze on the screen for as long as possible, as there’s no room for distractions. At the end of the session, the game displays the top ten players, spotlighting those who managed to stare the longest without blinking.
While it may sound absurd to some, it draws connections to training regimens used by monks and nuns throughout history, who would spend hours meditating without distractions. Yet experts are cautioning against such extreme methods.
Dr. Gill Jenkins, who also offers medical services during flights, insists on the risks involved. She emphasizes, "A digital detox might do you some good, but all the rest of it is against medical advice," highlighting issues like dehydration and deep vein thrombosis.
Sandi Mann, an academic specializing in the science of boredom, suggests moderation. She acknowledges potential mental relaxation benefits but warns against neglecting basic needs such as food and water during prolonged flights.
Even as it garners criticism, raw-dogging appears to have tapped deep-rooted feelings of self-discipline and mental endurance within those who participate. Some enthusiasts celebrate the trend as liberative, distancing themselves from reliance on constant digital distractions.
Among the criticisms, travel purists argue raw-dogging lacks authenticity. They point out the drawbacks of sitting rigidly without enjoying the available comforts during flying, such as meals and entertainment.
It's easy to think Haaland's elite status affords him distractions on flights. Skeptics argue, "Not sure you can call it raw-dogging with a seat like [Haaland's]", leveling critiques for equipping such luxury during hashtag challenges.
Each backlash only seems to fuel the trend’s momentum as its coverage spreads across social media channels. The dialogue features snarky replies from fellow travelers and fans, debating the legitimacy of participating without genuine struggle.
To some, true raw-dogging means flying amid less-than-ideal conditions—such as cramped seats or children crying. Participants mockingly suggest those who prefer luxuries on flights miss the point of the challenge entirely.
Just days before Manchester City aims to clinch another title against arch-rivals Manchester United, Haaland's new notoriety would serve his fans well as competitive banter shines on all sides. This trend will continue to evolve as more folks engage, whether they seek challenges or satire.
Whether adopted for entertainment or as part of self-improvement journeys, raw-dogging reveals much about contemporary air travel. It questions how we engage with our surroundings, shaping our mental landscapes during hours spent at cruising altitude.
Indeed, not all journeys must involve Wi-Fi, snacks, or even hydrating beverages. With this new social media trend, it’s safe to say there’s more than one way to endure long flights and embrace the art of boredom with style.
The future remains uncertain, but the appeal of raw-dogging may compel more individuals to try flights devoid of distractions. It might not be to everyone’s taste, but for some, finding comfort and clarity amid monotony could be the ultimate goal.
