Dream manipulation is a controversial topic that has attracted the attention of scientists, psychologists, and the general public. Dream manipulation refers to the ability to influence the content, quality, or intensity of one’s own or others’ dreams. There are various methods and technologies that claim to enable dream manipulation, such as sound cues, light signals, transcranial magnetic stimulation, psychoactive substances, and wearable devices. Some of these methods have been tested in experimental studies, while others are still in the realm of speculation.

Dream manipulation is the power to enter and control the dreams of oneself and others, including modifying, suppressing, fabricating, influencing, manifesting, sensing, and observing dreams as well as nightmares, daydreams, etc. It is a sub-power of mental manipulation, perception manipulation, and sleep manipulation. Some people may use this power for creative problem-solving, spiritual healing, or entertainment purposes. However, there are also potential dangers and ethical issues associated with dream manipulation.

A sound-based therapy called targeted memory reactivation (TMR) has been found to reduce the frequency of nightmares and increase the frequency of more positive dreams. In a study, 36 people diagnosed with a nightmare disorder were given an imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) session, in which they were asked to create a more positive version of a frequent nightmare and half of them had a TMR session, linking the revised version of their nightmare to a sound. The study found that the combination of the two therapies reduced the frequency of bad dreams and increased the frequency of happier dream emotions.

Listening to a sound associated with positive experiences during sleep can reduce the frequency of nightmares and increase the frequency of positive dreams. The combination of targeted memory reactivation and imagery rehearsal therapy can be an effective treatment for chronic nightmare sufferers. Chronic nightmares can impact physical and emotional well-being, making this line of research clinically relevant.

Another of the more recent studies on dream manipulation was conducted by researchers from MIT, who developed a device called Dormio that can induce and monitor targeted dream incubation (TDI). TDI is a technique that involves presenting specific information to a person during the hypnagogic state, which is the transitional stage between wakefulness and sleep. The researchers found that using Dormio and TDI could influence the themes and experiences of people’s dreams, such as making them dream about a tree. The researchers also suggested that TDI could have potential applications for enhancing creativity, learning, and memory.

However, not everyone is enthusiastic about the idea of manipulating dreams. Some critics argue that dream manipulation poses serious ethical and psychological risks that outweigh any possible benefits. For example, some people may use dream manipulation to escape from reality, indulge in fantasies, or harm others. Some people may also lose their sense of identity, agency, or authenticity if they cannot distinguish between their natural and manipulated dreams. Moreover, some people may experience adverse effects from the methods or technologies used for dream manipulation, such as headaches, nightmares, insomnia, or addiction.

Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers of dream manipulation and to exercise caution and responsibility when using or developing methods or technologies for this purpose. Dream manipulation may offer some intriguing possibilities for enhancing human capabilities, but it may also pose serious threats to human dignity, freedom, and well-being.

Concerns arise that dream manipulation could be used for nefarious purposes by governments, corporations, or other entities that want to control people’s thoughts, emotions, or behaviors. This scenario is not far-fetched, considering that several studies have shown that dreams can influence waking life in various ways. For instance, a study by researchers from Switzerland and Germany found that hearing a sound with positive associations while sleeping could help silence nightmares. Another study by researchers from France and Japan found that scientists could manipulate people’s nightmares to turn them into dreams by using verbal suggestions. These findings imply that dreams can be modified to alter people’s moods, attitudes, or actions.

While this premise seems like a ridiculous conspiracy at face value, there are existing patents that have extensively tested similar technology specifically created to manipulate the nervous system of people.

US6506148B2 is a patent that describes how to manipulate the nervous system of a person by pulsing images on a nearby computer monitor or TV set. The patent explains that weak electromagnetic fields, such as those emitted by monitors, can excite sensory resonances in the brain, which are natural frequency modulations of neural activity. The patent also discusses how the resonance frequency and the autonomic state of the person affect the physiological effects of the stimulation, such as ptosis, relaxation, drowsiness, sexual excitement, and chemical detuning. The patent provides implementations of the invention, such as computer programs, video streams, and video tapes, that can be used to generate, modulate, and control the image pulsing. The patent aims to exploit the natural mechanisms of the nervous system to enhance human well-being.

This technology can be used with modern equipment such as computer monitors, TV monitors, DVD players, video cameras, and video recorders. The basic principle is to pulse the intensity of the displayed images with certain frequencies that can excite sensory resonances in the nervous system of a nearby subject. The image pulsing can be achieved by various methods, such as modulating the video signal, the RF signal, the luminance signal, or the brightness control of the monitor. The image pulsing can also be embedded in the program material or the recorded data by pulsing the illumination of the scene. The image pulsing may be subliminal or noticeable by the subject. The frequency and amplitude of the image pulses can be adjusted by the user or by a remote controller. The technology can be used for various purposes, such as relaxation, entertainment, therapy, or manipulation of the nervous system for someone else’s benefit.

The technology can also be used with a cell phone by emitting pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMF) from the device that can affect the nervous system of the user or a nearby person. The cell phone can pulse the EMF by modulating the RF signal, the audio signal, the display brightness, or the camera flash. The cell phone can also receive pulsed EMF from external sources, such as cellular towers, Wi-Fi routers, or other devices. The frequency and amplitude of the EMF pulses can be controlled by the user or by a remote controller.

What ‘remote controller’ would bother, you may ask? This article recently hit the news cycle, as a popular messaging app was using the microphone in spooky ways.

WhatsApp has denied claims that it is attempting to access the microphones of users’ phones without their permission. The company said that it believes the issue is a bug within Google’s Android operating system. The allegations were originally raised by a Twitter engineer who shared a screenshot of a page in Android that showed when an app accesses the microphone. Other users also reported similar problems. Elon Musk responded by claiming that WhatsApp cannot be trusted and pointing out that it is owned by Meta/Facebook.

This technology could be used to determine when a person is asleep to manipulate their dreams by detecting the changes in the brain waves and the melatonin levels of the person during sleep. The cell phone could emit pulsed EMF with frequencies that match the different stages of sleep, such as REM or non-REM, and influence the content and quality of the dreams. The cell phone could also receive pulsed EMF from external sources that could alter the dreams of the person. Some studies have suggested that geomagnetic activity can affect the bizarreness of dreams and that EMF exposure can induce lucid dreaming or nightmares. However, more research is needed to confirm the causal relationship between EMF and dreams and to understand the possible mechanisms and effects of this technology.

One of the dangers is that dream manipulation can be used to harm or exploit people in their sleep. For example, some scientists have experimented with manipulating people’s nightmares to turn them into positive dreams by using sound cues that trigger associations with pleasant memories. While this may seem beneficial for people who suffer from chronic nightmares, it also raises the question of whether it is right to interfere with someone’s subconscious without their consent. Moreover, some sound cues may have negative or unintended effects on the dreamer, such as causing confusion, anxiety, or false memories.

One of the most significant damages that can happen by manipulating the hopes and dreams of a population is the creation of unrealistic expectations. When leaders or institutions manipulate people’s aspirations by making promises that are unrealistic or impossible to achieve, it can lead to disappointment, frustration, and a sense of hopelessness when those expectations are not met.

For instance, political leaders might promise to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs, reduce poverty or solve complex issues that have persisted for generations, but if these promises are made without a realistic plan to achieve them, they can create false hope and unrealistic expectations. As time passes and the promises are not delivered, people may begin to lose faith in their leaders, institutions, and the political process, which can lead to cynicism and apathy. Another way unrealistic expectations can harm a population is by creating a culture of instant gratification. When people are promised quick solutions or instant success, they may begin to expect immediate results without considering the time and effort required to achieve them. This can lead to a lack of perseverance and patience, which can prevent individuals and communities from working toward long-term solutions.

Moreover, unrealistic expectations can also exacerbate inequality and social divisions. When some members of a population are promised more than others, it can create a sense of resentment and frustration. For instance, if a political party promises to create jobs only in certain regions or for certain groups, it can leave others feeling left out or neglected.

Manipulating the hopes and dreams of a population can also have damaging consequences on a societal level by creating social instability. When leaders or institutions manipulate people’s aspirations in a way that pits one group against another, it can lead to discrimination, conflict, and violence. For instance, if a government or a political party tries to win the support of a particular ethnic or religious group by promising them exclusive rights or privileges, it can create resentment and hostility from other groups who feel excluded or discriminated against. This can lead to social unrest, protests, and sometimes violence.

Manipulating people’s hopes and dreams can also create a sense of tribalism where groups identify themselves based on their political or social affiliation rather than their shared humanity. When this happens, people may begin to view those outside their group as enemies, leading to a breakdown in communication and cooperation between different groups. Moreover, manipulating people’s hopes and dreams can also create a sense of victimhood, where some groups may feel that they are being oppressed or discriminated against, which can lead to feelings of anger, resentment, and a desire for revenge. This can lead to a cycle of violence and counter-violence, perpetuating conflict and social instability.

Manipulating the hopes and dreams of a population can also have damaging consequences on an individual level by affecting people’s mental health. When individuals are made to believe that they must achieve certain goals or outcomes to be considered successful, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. For instance, if society places a high value on financial success, people may feel pressured to achieve wealth and status, even if it means sacrificing their well-being or relationships. This can lead to feelings of stress, burnout, and even depression, as individuals feel like they are not meeting the expectations placed on them by their peers or society.

Manipulating people’s hopes and dreams can also contribute to low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. When individuals feel like they are not enough, it can lead to a sense of inadequacy, which can further erode their self-esteem and self-worth. This can lead to a vicious cycle of negative self-talk and self-doubt, which can impact all aspects of their lives, including relationships, work, and personal fulfillment.

Moreover, manipulating people’s hopes and dreams can also create a culture of comparison, where people measure their success and worth based on others’ achievements. This can lead to feelings of envy, jealousy, and inadequacy, which can contribute to a sense of social isolation and disconnection. Manipulating the hopes and dreams of a population can also have damaging consequences on an economic level. When leaders or institutions promise unrealistic or unsustainable economic policies, it can lead to economic problems and even collapse.

For instance, if a government or a business promises to create jobs or economic growth through a new project without considering the viability of the project, it can lead to a waste of resources and even economic collapse. This can happen when leaders prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability, leading to unsustainable debt or inefficient use of resources.

Manipulating people’s hopes and dreams can also create a culture of consumerism, where individuals are encouraged to prioritize material possessions and consumption over sustainability and environmental responsibility. This can lead to a cycle of overconsumption, waste, and depletion of resources, which can harm the economy and the environment in the long run. Manipulating people’s hopes and dreams can also contribute to economic inequality. When certain groups are promised more than others, it can exacerbate existing economic disparities and create a sense of injustice and resentment. This can lead to social unrest and economic instability, as individuals and communities feel left behind or neglected.

Manipulating the hopes and dreams of a population can also have damaging consequences on a political level by creating opportunities for political manipulation and abuse of power. When leaders or institutions manipulate people’s aspirations in a way that shapes their beliefs and attitudes toward certain issues, candidates, or policies, it can lead to the manipulation of elections, the suppression of free speech, and other violations of democratic values. For instance, a government or a political party might manipulate people’s hopes and dreams by spreading false information or propaganda to shape public opinion in their favor. This can include using media channels to spread fake news or disinformation, using bots or trolls to manipulate social media discussions, or creating fake news sites or social media accounts to promote their views.

Manipulating people’s hopes and dreams can also contribute to the creation of a cult of personality around a particular leader, which can lead to the suppression of dissent and the concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals. This can lead to the erosion of democratic institutions, the suppression of free speech, and the violation of human rights. Manipulating people’s hopes and dreams can also contribute to the creation of a climate of fear, where people feel afraid to speak out against the government or other powerful entities for fear of retribution. This can lead to the suppression of dissent and the erosion of democratic values, which can ultimately harm society as a whole.

Now, does any of this sound familiar at all at the current time?