28 June 2024 , 12:25
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If you are an avid TikTok user, you may have come across a bizarre trend where men are 'raw-dogging' - flights - but what the hell is it?
Firstly, it's not what you may think, so you can relax now. The weird trend shows lads challenging themselves to deprive their brains of any stimulation on long-haul flights - with no music, films or entertainment allowed.
Those brave enough to try the hellish-sounding phenomenon pride themselves in having the mental agility to avoid all small pleasures. Dubbed the ultimate digital detox, they simply watch the flight path on the screen in front of them for hours on end, look out the window or simply sit there for the enture duration of their journey. Some don't even drink any water.
It's becoming such a big trend that people are boasting about their 'raw-dogging' accomplishments on TikTok. One proud flyer said: "Just raw dogged a 7hr flight (new personal best), no movie, no water, nothing. Incredible. The power of my mind knows no bounds."
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A second shared another video and wrote: "Just raw-dogged a flight from Orlando to LA. No water, no snacks, no music or entertainment. Seat fully upright. The power of the mind has no limits. Stay hard."
Taking it to the extreme, some are going as far as sitting in the middle seat, wearing jeans over comfy clothes and not even drinking water. It appears they are also sharing their longest durations, with some revealing they've managed 14-hour flights to prove their mental strength.
While sitting for 14 hours with no music, books, distractions or water may sound like the definition of a flight from hell, one psychologist said it could be beneficial for our mental health.
Chartered psychologist Dannielle Haig told LADbible: "This whole 'raw-dogging' trend on flights - where people board without any distractions like headphones or books - is pretty fascinating, especially since it seems to attract more men. As a business psychologist, I think it's partly because men are often socialised to value stoicism and mental toughness, so sitting alone with their thoughts can feel like a test of endurance they're up for."
She added that the time of "undistracted reflection" can help with stress relief and mental clarity and further explained: "Without constant stimuli, the brain gets a chance to rest, which can lead to increased creativity and better emotional processing. It's like a forced mindfulness session that can actually be quite beneficial for mental health."
We're all guilty of being glued to our phones and screens, so this challenge forces people to have some self-reflection, something Dannielle called "amazing" and a "unique" opportunity.
"Regular breaks from our digital world help reduce anxiety, improve self-awareness, and even enhance sleep quality. Men might find this especially beneficial as they often don't engage in introspective activities as frequently. So, while it might sound odd at first, there are real psychological and health benefits to just zoning out and being alone with your thoughts on a long flight," she added.
Those taking part have the chance to reset, and may even feel more refreshed and focused after the flight, but it's important to note that staying hydrated is vital on a flight - particularly long-haul.
Would you try this? Let us know in the comments.
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