Gen Z's viral boredom challenge may help attention spans

A TikTok trend called “rawdogging boredom” asks participants to sit alone without phones, TV or music for a set time, and mental health experts say unplugging can support mindfulness and emotional processing; separate research has linked short-form videos to reduced attention.

A TikTok wellness challenge called “rawdogging boredom” has gone viral. The trend asks people to set aside time to sit alone without phones, TV or music. Some viewers described it as a rebranding of meditation. Mental health experts say intentional unplugged time can support mindfulness and help people process feelings. What is happening now: - The trend is known as “rawdogging boredom” and has produced viral videos of people attempting to sit with their thoughts. - The practice involves turning off or putting away phones, TVs and music and allowing a period of undistracted time. - Psychotherapist Stephanie Sarkis, who works with ADHD and anxiety, is quoted saying unplugging and sitting with thoughts is healthy and can aid emotional processing. - Research has found that short-form video platforms are associated with reductions in attention, a concern noted in coverage of the trend. - Commenters and some participants liken the trend to meditation, and experts have suggested basic meditation principles can support the practice. Summary: The trend highlights a desire to balance continuous digital stimulation with intentional device-free moments and aligns with research noting attention effects from short-form video. Undetermined at this time.