The Tetris effect: How we learnt to manipulate dreamsThe Tetris effect: How we learnt to manipulate dreams
All In The Mind
It sounds like fantasy, but the manipulation of dreams is now possible — and it's thanks to a well known video game, Tetris. So what does Tetris have to do with dreaming, and could companies use this to shape what we see when we sleep? Want to learn more about dreams? Check out our episode 'As real as waking life' — exploring lucid dreams. Hear our first episode about Tetris: Why people are playing Tetris to treat their trauma.
29:10•3 Aug 2024
How Tetris Can Shape Your Dreams
Episode Overview
- Playing Tetris can influence your dreams through the 'Tetris effect'.
- Targeted dream incubation can shape what you dream about.
- This technique could enhance creativity and help break bad habits.
- There are ethical concerns about manipulating dreams.
- Dream research has vast potential for positive and negative impacts.
“Oh my goodness, we can experimentally manipulate dream content.”
Ever wondered how a simple video game could change the way you dream? In this fascinating episode of 'All In The Mind', host Sana Khadar and producer Shelby Trainer explore the intriguing connection between Tetris and our dreams. They dive into the concept of the 'Tetris effect', a phenomenon where spending significant time on a task influences your thoughts, visualisations, and even dreams.
Through a playful yet insightful experiment, the science unit at ABC RN finds themselves dreaming of falling Tetris blocks, proving just how powerful this effect can be. But it doesn't stop there. Professor Robert Stickgold from Harvard Medical School and Dr. Adam Har Horowitz, a dream scientist, share their groundbreaking research on how targeted dream incubation can shape our dreams and potentially influence our waking lives. From enhancing creativity to breaking bad habits, the possibilities are endless.
However, the ethical implications of manipulating dreams are also discussed, raising important questions about the future of this research. This episode is a blend of humour, science, and deep reflection on the power of our subconscious minds. Don't miss out on this mind-bending journey into the world of dreams and video games.

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