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A bizarre new flight trend called ‘raw-dogging’ could end up being fatal, according to a doctor.
The health expert has also come out with some harsh words to those who want to try it, calling them all ‘idiots’ after the trend has taken off in popularity this summer.
And despite it’s name, it’s not explicit.
The whole idea is to sit back during a flight without the use of any modern modes of entertainment.
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This could include snacking, sleeping, or even binge-watching films. You can’t even read a book.
However, there’s also a more extreme version where people have claimed you can’t drink any water or make any toilet trips either.
The trend sees passengers attempting to stare straight ahead or at the in-flight map for hours, and, apparently, it’s been hailed as somewhat beneficial.
Manchester City player Erling Haaland recently posted that he spent a seven-hour flight with ‘no phone, no sleep, no water, no food’, and called it ‘easy’.
Certainly not.
But another woman, who broke her raw-dogging virginity, suffered 'worry side effects' even after the plane touched down.
And it seems a doctor doesn’t want people to try out the challenge, as it could come with some serious health effects.
Dr Gill Jenkins, a GP who also works as a medical escort for an air ambulance, spoke to the BBC about the dangers of the increasingly popular trend.
She said: “They’re idiots. A digital detox might do you some good, but all the rest of it is against medical advice.
“The whole thing about the risk of long-haul flying is that you’re at risk of dehydration.
“If you’re not moving you’re at risk of deep vein thrombosis, which is compounded by dehydration. Not going to the toilet, that’s a bit stupid. If you need the loo, you need the loo.”
However, business psychologist Dannielle Haig believes the digital detox part of the trend ‘offers an opportunity to recharge mentally, gain new perspectives’.
Kind of like a meditation session, but up in the air and for hours at a time.
She explained that it’s ‘a collective yearning for balance as people seek to reclaim their mental space and foster a deeper connection with their inner selves’.
Regardless of how many risks it could pose, many have been sharing their own raw-dogging experiences on social media.
A TikToker named Michelle, AKA @wunderfullymichelle, posted a clip from her New York City to San Francisco five-hour flight, writing: “I have never seen so many people raw-dogging a flight in my life. Literally just staring straight ahead the entire time?”
While UK-based DJ called Wudini shared his own personal best, posting: “Just raw-dogged a 7-hour flight.”
He added: “No headphones, no movie, no water, nothing. Incredible. The power of my mind knows no bounds.”
Britt Jones