Picture this: you hop on a crowded train for your morning commute and spot a young person sitting completely still—no phone, no earbuds, no book. Just… existing.

While it may seem unsettling or even suspicious to some, this quiet behavior is actually part of a growing Gen Z trend that’s raising eyebrows across public transport systems.

Meet the “Barebacking” Commuters

This curious movement has been cheekily dubbed “barebacking”—and no, it’s not what you’re thinking.

It’s a spin-off of another social media buzzword, “rawdogging” flights, which refers to traveling without any digital distractions.

Now, the term has found its way into buses, trains, and ferries.

The idea?

Ditch all gadgets and entertainment.

That means no scrolling TikTok, no Spotify playlists, not even an old-school paperback.

Just pure, unfiltered presence—with all its awkward silences and eye contact.

Why Is This Happening Now?

Podcaster Curtis Morton recently brought attention to the trend in a video with co-host James Hacking, calling it his “most hated travel habit.”

When Hacking seemed confused, Morton explained the weird discomfort of watching someone commute in total stillness: “Just looking around?

Looking at me?

Do something!”

But while it may appear odd or unnerving to fellow passengers, experts say there’s more going on beneath the surface.

A Digital Detox on the Go

According to Amanda Augustine, a certified career coach at Resume.io, the post-pandemic return to office life may be the reason behind the shift.

“More employees are physically returning to the workplace,” she explained, “and many are trying to reclaim their time during the commute by not working or scrolling.”

She sees “barebacking” as a subtle act of self-care—a screen detox before and after long days spent staring at monitors.

For some, it’s the only moment of real mental stillness in their daily routine.

Reclaiming Peace of Mind

Instead of answering emails or doomscrolling through newsfeeds, these digital-free riders are using their commute as a time to mentally prepare for the day—or unwind after it.

And in a world that rarely stops buzzing, that’s starting to make a lot of sense.

Not everyone is doing it for philosophical reasons, though.

One viewer of Morton’s video explained in the comments that they couldn’t read or look at their phone because of vertigo and motion sickness.

Others praised the ability to just “exist in peace” without needing constant entertainment.

Gen Z Has a Different Take on Work-Life Balance

It’s not surprising that this trend is Gen Z-led.

Data from Randstad Australia recently found that nearly half (42%) of Gen Z workers said they’d rather be unemployed than stuck in a job that makes them miserable.

Over half (51%) said they would quit if work got in the way of enjoying life.

And 62% said they’d walk away from a job if they didn’t feel a sense of belonging.

This mindset seems to carry into their daily routines, too—including their commutes.

“Barebacking” might look passive on the surface, but it could actually be Gen Z’s quiet act of rebellion—choosing mindfulness and boundaries over mindless scrolling.