By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
Last week, Damion Bailey shared on Instagram that he had accomplished a personal milestone enduring a 13 and a half hour flight from Shanghai to Dallas without using any in flight entertainment, reading materials, or music.
The 34 year old from Miami described the experience as "quite tough," but continues to embrace the challenge. Bailey is part of a growing travel trend known as "raw dogging," where passengers endure long flights with minimal distractions, simply staring straight ahead. The longer one can maintain this, the more resilient they are perceived to be.
Australian music producer Torren Foot recently took to TikTok, boasting about his 15 hour flight to Melbourne with no music, movies, or distractions, relying solely on the flight map for entertainment. Some participants in this trend also forgo eating, drinking, or even standing up to use the restroom. However, health experts warn that such extreme practices can pose significant health risks.
The trend, which has gained momentum over the past year, is predominantly embraced by young, athletic men. Many post videos of themselves onboard, focusing intently on the in flight map or safety card, claiming to use sheer mental willpower to get through the journey. Manchester City footballer Erling Haaland joined the trend, posting about a seven hour flight where he abstained from using his phone, eating, drinking, or sleeping, and claimed it was "easy."
Social media responses to such posts often question the authenticity of these claims, with some users speculating that the participants might not adhere strictly to their own rules. The term "raw dogging" has broader implications, referring to undertaking any activity without external support or protection. For many, the trend seems to be an opportunity to demonstrate their resilience and self control.
Some medical professionals, however, express concern over the trend's more extreme practices. Dr. Gill Jenkins, a GP and air ambulance medical escort, criticizes the trend, pointing out that long haul flights already carry risks such as dehydration and deep vein thrombosis, which are exacerbated by remaining immobile and avoiding fluids.
Despite the potential risks, business psychologist Danielle Haig understands the appeal, suggesting that raw dogging might offer a chance for quiet reflection in an increasingly fast paced, technology driven world. She believes the trend reflects a collective desire for balance and a deeper connection with one's inner self. It also provides young men with a way to showcase their ability to handle solitude and discomfort with stoicism.
Bailey, who frequently flies, enjoys the challenge, recalling that his first experience with raw dogging was born out of necessity when he forgot his headphones on a shorter flight. Since then, he has continued the practice, finding it a satisfying way to test his endurance.
Sandi Mann, an academic and author of The Science of Boredom, argues that allowing oneself to be bored during a flight can enhance relaxation and creativity. However, she also emphasizes the importance of staying mobile during long flights and cautions against forgoing food and water, which can introduce additional health risks.
While some find the trend intriguing, others see it as unnecessary discomfort. As one social media user put it, "Sounds like self inflicted torture with literally no incentive." Doubts also persist about whether those claiming to endure long flights without any distractions truly stick to their self imposed rules. Some who have attempted raw dogging themselves have not found it to be the enlightening experience they expected, with one TikTok user calling it an "overrated experience" that they wouldn't repeat.
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