Although the term may raise eyebrows, it has gained popularity among a growing contingent of young men on the internet, who take pride in embracing the challenge of a minimalist travel experience.

Michael Ceely, a therapist in California specializing in working with men, inadvertently stumbled upon this phenomenon during a four-hour flight where he chose to forgo in-flight entertainment and instead focused on watching the flight map and simply zoning out. For him, it was a form of digital detox and meditation, allowing him to relax and adopt a zen-like state of mind.

While Ceely may not be familiar with the term "raw dogging," he can understand why it appeals to a certain kind of traveler. He believes that men, in particular, enjoy challenges and find it more socially acceptable to brag about such experiences. However, he emphasizes that this practice can also be seen as an ascetic approach, albeit branded with "bro-speak."

The trend has gained traction on social media platforms like TikTok, where users compete to see who can endure the longest flight with minimal amenities. Some participants have taken it to the extreme, not only foregoing in-flight entertainment but also skipping on-board food and drink or even abstaining from using the restroom.

One TikTok video by the British DJ known as oiwudini went viral and garnered 1.3 million likes. In the video, he boasted about his seven-hour flight without headphones, sleep, or other creature comforts. Commenters described the experience as an "incredible dopamine detox."

Interestingly, this trend is not exclusive to men. Women like Veronica Skaia have also embraced this minimalist form of traveling. In her TikTok video, she expressed her preference for staring into the abyss of the flight map, garnering almost 10,000 comments.

The origins of the unfortunately named trend may be traced back to the Apple TV show Hijack, featuring Idris Elba. In the series, Elba's character finds himself on a plane without any electronic devices, but his circumstances are far from peaceful as he navigates negotiations with a group of terrorists who have hijacked the aircraft.

Whether it's a digital detox, a challenge, or a form of meditation, the practice of "raw dogging" highlights the desire of these travelers to disconnect from technology and find solace in the simplicity of the journey. As the trend continues to gain momentum on social media, it remains to be seen how widespread and enduring this phenomenon will become.