Contemporary urban space is witnessing an unexpected social experiment that sparks serious interest among psychologists and employers. Young employees from Generation Z demonstrate a new communication model that involves completely ignoring digital devices during travel.
The "bear beking" phenomenon is defined as a practice where young people deliberately avoid using smartphones, tablets, or other electronic devices while commuting on public transport. Instead, they prefer to sink into their own thoughts, observe their surrounding environment, or simply sit in a meditative silence.
Experts identify two main theories behind this new social trend. The first views the practice as a form of passive protest against corporate expectations. After the period of massive remote work during the pandemic, many companies insist on a full return to offices. For Generation Z, which highly values personal freedom, this is perceived as a regressive step.
By consciously refusing to use travel time for work preparation, young employees symbolically demarcate a boundary between professional and personal life. They clearly communicate that work hours begin and end in the office, and commuting is a personal space for reflection and recovery.
The second, more popular among psychologists, theory views "bear beking" as a necessary psychological defense mechanism. Generation Z is defined as the most information-loaded generation in history, constantly bombarded with news, notifications, and digital content.
The continuous information flow generates increased levels of stress, anxiety, and the so-called FOMO syndrome (fear of missing out). In this context, the silent "active inactivity" during travel becomes a kind of information detox, allowing the brain to rest and process accumulated impressions.
Psychologists emphasize that these brief moments of silence and contemplation have a proven positive effect on mental health. They allow an internal mental "reset" that prepares the individual for upcoming challenges or helps process accumulated tension.
Whether viewed as a form of rebellion or a therapeutic practice, "bear beking" undoubtedly signals deep changes in the young generation's attitudes towards work and the digital world. What may seem like wasted time to some becomes a valuable moment of calm and awareness amid the fast-paced daily life.
This social phenomenon sparks serious discussions about the future of communication, work environment, and mental health in the digital age. It clearly demonstrates that the young generation is seeking new, more balanced models of interaction with technology and the work environment.