Move over, millennials - Gen Z has developed a counterintuitive approach to digital life that's turning heads across Canada. They're calling it "rawdogging," and it involves consciously choosing boredom over digital entertainment during flights, commutes, and daily downtime.
What Exactly is 'Rawdogging'?
The term, which recently went viral on TikTok and other social platforms, describes the practice of sitting through flights or other potentially boring situations without any digital distractions. No headphones, no movies, no scrolling - just you and your thoughts.
While it might sound like torture to some, young Canadians are embracing this digital minimalism as a form of mental reset. Instead of filling every spare moment with content consumption, they're choosing to simply be present with their surroundings.
The Generational Divide in Digital Consumption
This trend highlights a fascinating shift in how different generations approach technology and boredom. Millennials, who grew up during the digital revolution, often see devices as essential tools for managing downtime. Gen Z, however, has never known a world without constant digital stimulation - and they're starting to push back.
Many young Canadians report that rawdogging provides a much-needed break from the constant barrage of notifications and content. It's becoming their version of a digital detox, allowing them to reconnect with their own thoughts and observations.
Why Canadian Youth Are Choosing Discomfort
The psychology behind this trend reveals something important about modern mental health. Research has shown that allowing ourselves to experience boredom can:
- Boost creativity and problem-solving abilities
- Reduce stress and anxiety from constant stimulation
- Improve self-awareness and mindfulness
- Help develop better focus and attention spans
For a generation that's never known life without smartphones, rawdogging represents a conscious choice to reclaim mental space and combat digital fatigue.
Beyond Flights: Rawdogging in Daily Life
While the trend started with air travel, it's expanding to other areas of life. Young Canadians are now applying the same principle to:
- Public transportation - Riding buses and trains without headphones
- Waiting rooms - Sitting without scrolling through phones
- Meal times - Eating alone without digital distractions
- Work breaks - Taking actual breaks instead of switching screens
This movement isn't about abandoning technology entirely, but rather about creating intentional boundaries and rediscovering the value of unstructured time.
The Future of Digital Wellness in Canada
As rawdogging continues to gain traction among Canadian youth, it signals a broader cultural shift toward more mindful technology use. While previous digital wellness trends focused on limiting screen time, this approach goes further by actively embracing the discomfort of boredom.
Whether it's a temporary trend or the beginning of a larger movement, one thing is clear: Canadian Gen Z is rewriting the rules of digital engagement, one boring flight at a time.
