You may have heard the term barebacking in a sexual context, but in this case, it refers to commuting without digital devices. That means no phone or computer, just you and your surroundings, whether it’s observing the world around you or simply letting your mind wander.
This digital detox is becoming a way for Gen Z to reset, as they are constantly connected to social media sites and digital screens. Research shows that young people spend more than 7 hours a day on their devices, and podcaster Curtis Morton backs this up.
In Southern California and other urban areas, this trend is gaining traction as a way to detox from the digital chaos many young people are drowning in. This version of barebacking involves taking your commute raw and exploring the mental and physical benefits that come with it.
Barebacking on Public Transport
Although you may not associate public transport with clarity, it has become a sanctuary for many Gen Z riders. By barebacking, leaving phones in their bags, and keeping their eyes off screens, they reclaim being present in the moment.
The practice of observing fellow passengers, daydreaming, or even reflecting on life offers a much-needed pause. Some young adults describe it as “getting back to their senses.”
Without the pull of a glowing screen, you begin to hear, see, and feel the world again. You notice conversations, colors, weather shifts, and things that enhance your well-being more than endless scrolling ever could.
The Risks of Constant Connection
You’ve likely felt it: the ache in your eyes, the anxiety spike when your phone dings, and the restless nights. The modern lifestyle is characterized by a constant connection to digital devices, even during activities such as eating, relaxing, and sleeping.
The following are some of the side effects:
Digital Eye Strain and Sleep Disruption
Staring at digital screens for hours exposes you to blue light, which manifests as eye dryness, headaches, and blurry vision. Over time, it can affect your focus, productivity, and even your sense of control.
A study found that excessive screen time before bed interferes with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. This disruption leads to worse sleep quality, leaving you tired and easily irritable the next day.
Social Media and Self-Esteem
Every scroll through social media apps bombards you with filtered lives, edited self-images, and pressure to keep up. This curated perfection can erode self-esteem, particularly among young women trying to find their identity in a digital world.
Influencers showcase trips, bodies, and relationships that appear flawless, but they are often scripted and highly staged. Podcaster Curtis Morton, who hosts a show on digital health, describes this comparison as toxic.
The Physical and Mental Toll
Hunching over your phone for extended periods can lead to chronic upper back pain and can also contribute to other musculoskeletal disorders. Less physical activity contributes to a sedentary lifestyle and related health problems.
Phones are designed to be addictive, releasing feel-good neurotransmitters with every notification, like, or message. This addiction causes psychological dependency, with symptoms like anxiety, irritability, and withdrawal when separated from the device.
Benefits of Barebacking Commutes
Barebacking commutes are part of a broader digital detox movement led by Gen Z. Young people are increasingly aware of how devices shape their emotions, relationships, and health. By choosing to go bareback, you prioritize your well-being over the constant lure of the internet.
Taking breaks from digital devices while commuting helps restore your natural rhythm by:
Building Real-World Connections
Barebacking opens opportunities to engage with fellow passengers, even if it’s just a shared smile. Career coach Amanda Augustine emphasizes that these small interactions can enhance your feeling of belonging, which is vital for mental health. You are not just disconnecting from technology; you are reconnecting with life.
Improving Sleep and Mood
Avoiding screens during the evening commute gives your eyes, brain, and body a break. Less exposure to blue light increases melatonin production, leading to better sleep, a more stable mood, and a clearer sense of purpose.
Bareback commute gives your body time to unwind before you reach home or start your day.
Reclaiming Your Focus
Without your phone, you might notice the people around you: two men debating sports, a woman reading a book, or the hum of conversation on the train. You force yourself to engage with the present and your thoughts, something rare in today’s hyper-connected reality.
The Realities and Challenges of Barebacking
The first time you try barebacking, you may feel restless being outside your comfort zone, which can be daunting. Many young people use social media apps to avoid boredom or anxiety, so escaping internet addiction can cause them to seek comfort in drugs and alcohol.
A study from the University of California found that technology overuse resembles patterns of substance abuse, from dopamine surges and compulsive behavior to withdrawal symptoms.
These challenges include:
- The Fear of Missing Out: Going bareback can feel risky; what if you miss an important message? The reality is that most notifications are not that urgent.
- Safety Concerns: Some worry about safety without a phone, mostly in urban areas. However, being aware of your surroundings can be more beneficial than constantly staring at a screen.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Like drugs, technology is addictive, and you might experience withdrawal when you try to limit or stop usage. The symptoms might be mild for some, while for others, they can be more intense and last longer. Seek medical help from a Riverside mental health treatment center.
How to Start Your Digital Detox
Completely cutting out devices isn’t practical for everyone; you might need your phone for work emails or maps. The key is to control, set limits, and take intentional breaks.
Simple ways to reclaim your mind during travel include:
- Set clear boundaries and designate tech-free times
- Replace screen time with real activities like reading a book or observing the world around you
- Enable screen-time trackers or grayscale mode to make computers and phones less appealing
Redefining Your Relationship With Technology
Technology isn’t the enemy, but unchecked use can have a negative impact on your well-being. Barebacking helps you reframe your device usage, making them tools rather than masters.
You don’t need to eliminate technology; engage with it mindfully. A digital detox could be the first step to finding that balance, one ride, pause, and break at a time.
