Referred to by podcaster Curtis Morton, “barebacking” is sparking curiosity within Gen Z circles. But what is barebacking exactly? It is the practice of riding bareback while commuting on public transport with no earphones, earbuds, and no notifications. It is just you and your thoughts. This deliberate form of digital detox has emerged as an unlikely approach to reclaim mental space during the daily commute among Gen Z workers.
What Is Barebacking and Why It Matters
Barebacking is a new commuting trend where young adults forgo all digital entertainment during the train or bus ride: no scrolling, no podcasts, and just unfiltered presence. The result of this is prolonged eye contact with fellow passengers, ambiguous silence, and occasional awkwardness.
Barebacking may sound bizarre. However, this is something that reflects a more profound desire to mentally prepare or decompress, resisting hustle culture before the workday begins. Career coach Amanda Augustine describes it as a deliberate reset instead of mindlessly scrolling through emails or feeds.
Gen Z Workers and the Drive for Disconnection
Gen Z has grown up in a hyperconnected world. For many Gen Z workers, barebacking aligns with a broader rejection of constant availability. In a world where digital life often spills into personal time, barebacking offers a structured moment just to be. Psychotherapists such as Eloise Skinner argue this practice helps create emotional clarity and gives individuals a sense of control over their working schedule.
Psychological and Emotional Benefits
Scientific research supports the idea that time without screens can benefit mental health. Sitting without input from screens activates the brain’s default mode network. This is linked to memory consolidation and emotional processing. In a systematic review of digital detox practices, psychologists found reduced stress, improved mental well-being, and greater emotional resilience among commuters who engaged in screen-free time. The simplicity of riding bareback can help people organize their thoughts and calm digital fatigue.
The Experience of Riding Bareback
Imagine catching a train without your phone, headphones, or work apps. Instead, you make eye contact with passengers and spend time observing surroundings without distraction. While it may feel awkward or uncomfortable at first, many report a sensation of release. Fellow passengers may feel uneasy, but proponents describe barebacking as a small rebellion against always-on culture and a way to reclaim presence.
Media Spotlight and Awareness of Barebacking
Podcaster Curtis Morton coined the term barebacking and challenged people to try it themselves. His coverage led to viral articles and social media debates. This media attention positioned it not just as a rebel behavior, but a reflection of generational desire to balance presence and productivity. Coverage repeatedly references the awkward eye contact and the broader intention to reset before the day starts.
Barebacking as Commuter-Based Digital Detox
Barebacking acts as a routine digital detox embedded in daily life. It helps Gen Z passengers step away from notifications and mental clutter long enough to decompress. Instead of loading podcasts or checking messages, individuals choose silence or at least cognitive freedom. This practice may seem minimal, but its mental impact grows with consistency, as Gen Z participants report better emotional clarity after just a few days.
Social Dynamics and Public Reaction
Barebacking challenges conventional norms of public commuting. While many commuters avoid eye contact or social interaction during transit, bareback riders deliberately embrace these moments of discomfort. The trend encourages people to question standard commuter etiquette and become more aware of their surroundings and fellow passengers. This shift often sparks curiosity, occasional confrontations, and a subtle pushback against default digital habits like constant phone use.
Why Gen Z Is Embracing This Trend
Gen Z is embracing this trend largely due to growing concerns about digital overload. Blurred work-life boundaries and rising social media anxiety have also contributed to this shift. In response, barebacking has emerged as a quiet form of resistance.
Rather than immersing themselves in apps or feeds, these commuters choose introspection, even if it makes others uncomfortable. Barebacking offers an intentional pause before entering a screen-dominated day, marking a broader cultural shift toward mindfulness and self-care.
Insights From Experts: Augustine and Skinner Weigh In
Career coach Amanda Augustine emphasizes that barebacking reframes the commute as personal time rather than transition time. Psychotherapist Eloise Skinner highlights its emotional benefits, noting that deliberately sitting without stimulation can help reduce stress and improve focus. Both recommend it not as a passive retreat, but as an active way to reset and prepare mentally.
Incorporating Barebacking Into Workplace Well-Being
Human resources teams and workplace culture planners are beginning to recognize barebacking as a practical tool for digital wellness. Encouraging employees to treat their commute as intentional self-care, rather than passive transition time, can help reduce digital fatigue and promote mental restoration. When the commute is seen as a break, not just a buffer, it supports healthier boundaries between work and personal life.
Here are the steps to try barebacking:
- Choose public transit rides that allow for safe device-free time
- Switch off your phone, music, and apps before boarding your train
- Expect awkward eye contact, especially at first
- Reflect on your thoughts and emotional state without distraction
- Add gentle breathing exercises or mindfulness prompts for a deeper mental reset
Many report reduced screen dependence, improved focus, and calmness within just one week of regular practice.
Broader Implications for Personal and Public Health
Barebacking is a phenomenon that reflects a larger shift in how younger generations value mental health and emotional boundaries. Beyond wellness trends, it raises questions about how transit, workplace design, and digital expectations shape mental health. Barebacking emphasizes personal autonomy, encouraging commuters to reclaim mental space in a public setting.
Future Research and Culture Trends
Further research is needed to quantify the mental health benefits of screen-free commuting. While formal data is limited, anecdotal evidence suggests that Gen Z’s preference for presence over passive scrolling may strengthen alongside growing urban mindfulness. Longitudinal studies tracking commuter behavior and mood over time could help measure the cumulative social and psychological impact of practices like barebacking.
Conclusion
Barebacking isn’t just a passing Gen Z trend. It is becoming a reality in many aspects, and a mindful response to constant digital noise. By choosing to unplug during commutes, young workers are reclaiming space to reset, reflect, and breathe. This shift reflects a growing awareness of mental well-being in daily routines.
Even wellness programs and therapy models are beginning to embrace such micro-habits. Some Southern California rehab centers now explore mindful commuting as part of holistic treatment, showing how simple, screen-free practices can play a meaningful role in long-term emotional recovery.