A New Era in Gen Z Commuting: Going Offline on Public Transport
Young adults in Generation Z are adopting a bizarre new practice, known as 'barebacking' their commutes, as the latest social media trend for office workers.
In the world of tech-driven individuals, a novel trend is stirring up conversations and sparking discomfort among commuters - going tech gadget-free on public transport. Dubbed as 'barebacking', this trend is a curious throwback to the simplicity of pre-digital times.
The practice involves ditching phones, earbuds, and e-books during commutes, even opting against plain old books, leaving no distractions to hide behind. Commuters are left to fend for themselves, staring into the void or engaging in passive social interactions.
The term 'barebacking' is reminiscent of a social media trend from flights, 'rawdogging', where commuters adopted a distraction-free approach. Podcaster Curtis Morton, in a recent video, coined the term and criticized 'barebackers' as his most hated travel habit.
"You've done this commute a hundred times. Why are you sitting there without a phone, without a book? Just looking around? Looking at me? Do something!", Morton expressed, baffling his co-host, James Hacking.
The post-pandemic commute has paved the way for 'barebacking', a state of complete absence of scrolling, swiping, or digital distractions. Experts argue that this trend is a reflection of Gen Z workers, eager to reclaim their time and take a break from screens during their commute.
Amanda Augustine, a certified career coach at Resume.io, notes that the rise in 'barebacking' is predominantly driven by the return of office work. By refraining from looking at their phones, workers can avoid work done outside of office hours, thereby setting clear boundaries between work and personal life.
She also suggests that 'barebacking' offers a much-needed screen detox, a brief respite from screens before and after long hours spent looking at them at work. However, this trend has drawn mixed reactions from commuters. Some find it uncomfortable, while others appreciate the opportunity to unplug and exist in peace.
The trend's unexpected title, thanks to its NSFW connotation, has generated buzz, but its implications and motivations reveal deeper workplace and societal tensions. The trend highlights the unique approach Gen Z takes towards work-life balance, prioritizing mental health and autonomy over constant productivity. As 'barebacking' gains traction on platforms like TikTok, its long-term societal impact is yet to be seen.
- In contrast to this new commuter trend, some individuals might prefer to travel with their gadgets, engaging in various forms of entertainment to pass the time.
- The home-and-garden section of a popular lifestyle magazine could feature an article on creating DIY earbud cases, catering to those who value keeping their electronics organized during their commute.
- Bizarrely, the term 'barebacking' has been adopted to describe the practice of going tech gadget-free on public transportation, echoing a throwback to pre-digital times.
- As Gen Z workers adopt the 'barebacking' lifestyle, tech companies might consider developing products that appeal to this new market, such as eco-friendly and compact home office gadgets.
