Jelly Theory: Viral TikTok Calms 7 Million Anxious Fliers

Aviophobia, a significant fear of flying, affects millions of people in Britain, leading to severe anxiety and avoidance of travel. This intense fear can manifest as sweating, shaking, and panic attacks. Travel journalist Amy Jones shared her personal struggle with aviophobia, describing how even minor turbulence triggered extreme anxiety.

However, a viral TikTok video has introduced a novel and surprisingly effective coping mechanism for anxious flyers. The content creator, Anna Paul, used a pot of jelly to represent air and a scrunched-up napkin as a plane to explain turbulence. By demonstrating how the napkin remains stable within the jelly despite external movement, she illustrated that planes are inherently stable within the air, even during turbulence.

This simple yet powerful visual analogy, dubbed the 'jelly theory,' has resonated with hundreds of users, including Amy Jones, who found it instrumental in overcoming her fear. Many passengers have shared their positive experiences on TikTok, crediting the 'jelly theory' for providing a sense of calm during previously terrifying flights, offering a sweet solution for wobbly journeys.