'Raw dogging': The new air travel trend that's captivating travelers
The latest trend in air travel, known as "raw dogging," is gaining popularity among passengers. This practice involves enduring long-haul flights with no entertainment or distractions, relying solely on one's thoughts. The trend has been widely shared on social media platforms, with travelers, predominantly men, showcasing their physical discipline and mental stamina by spending hours in silence during flights.
UK DJ Wudini and 'raw dogging' a 7-Hour flight
UK DJ Wudini recently took to TikTok to share his experience of "raw dogging" a seven-hour flight, a post that attracted over 13.2 million views. "Just raw-dogged a seven-hour flight (new personal best). No headphones, no movie, no water, nothing," he said. This statement showcases the mental strength required for this trend and the pride taken in achieving such feats.
Damon Bailey's 13.5-Hour 'raw dogging' challenge
Instagram user Damon Bailey from Miami, Florida, shared his personal best of enduring a 13-and-a-half hour flight between Shanghai and Dallas without any form of entertainment. "It's quite tough, honestly," the 34-year-old told BBC News. "I like the challenge, for sure." His statement highlights the difficulty of this trend while also emphasizing the thrill that comes with overcoming such challenges.
Manchester City's Erling Haaland joins 'raw dogging' trend
Manchester City soccer star Erling Haaland has also embraced the "raw dogging" trend. He boasted about his seven-hour streak with "no phone, no sleep, no water, no food." Some proponents suggest that this phenomenon was inspired by Idris Elba's character in the Apple TV+ series Hijacked, who withstands an eight-hour flight without amenities. This celebrity endorsement further highlights the growing popularity of this trend.
Critics warn against 'raw dogging' health risks
Despite the trend's popularity, critics have labeled "raw dogging" as "psychopathic," warning against the dangers of sleep, food and water deprivation on planes. Travel experts emphasize the importance of staying hydrated during air travel due to the dry in-flight environment causing dehydration. This criticism underscores the potential health risks associated with this new trend.
'Raw dogging' seen as mindfulness opportunity by psychologists
Business psychologist Danielle Haig sees a potential upside to the "raw dogging" trend. She told BBC that it could provide "an opportunity to recharge mentally, gain new perspectives." Haig believes that this interest indicates a widespread desire for balance, as people look to reclaim their mental space and deepen their connection with their inner selves. This viewpoint offers a different perspective on the trend, focusing on its potential mental health benefits.
'Raw dogging' advocated by 'The Science of Boredom' author
Psychology scholar Sandi Mann, author of The Science of Boredom, supports the idea that long periods of silence can be beneficial. "We need to reduce our need for novelty and stimulation and just take time out to breathe and stare at the clouds — literally, if you're on a flight," Mann told BBC. However, she warned that overzealous practitioners might experience diminishing returns, stating that this practice is not ideal for a second-hour flight.
