Reality shifting is an experience in which a person mentally believes that they are “shifting” to a different reality or an alternative universe. This concept has become widespread in popular culture, especially through social media platforms (e.g. TikTok, Reddit). Reality shifting is often associated with techniques such as lucid dreaming, meditation, imagination and mind power. Scientifically, the explanation and acceptability of shifting is controversial.
1. Is Reality Shifting Real?
Whether reality shifting is real or not depends on personal beliefs, experiences and states of consciousness. While many people claim to have experienced shifting, it is not a scientifically proven phenomenon. However, some people have reported strong sensory experiences, emotional changes or a sense of an “unreal world” during shifting. This can be explained by how the brain works in different states of consciousness.
How are Reality Shifting Experiences Explained?
- Lucid Dreams It can be explained in a similar way to lucid dreams. During a lucid dream, the person knows they are dreaming and can control the dream. Shifting experiences can also overlap with such conscious dream processes.
- Imagination and Visualization: It can be an experience created by strong imagination and the ability to visualize. The brain can perceive imagined things as real.
- Dissociation: Some people describe the experience of shifting as a temporary disconnection from reality or a feeling of an “alternate reality”. This can be explained by psychological processes such as dissociation.
2. Is Reality Shifting Scientific?
Reality shifting is not yet a scientifically proven phenomenon. There is no comprehensive, scientific study on shifting in the field of psychology and neuroscience. Research on similar states of consciousness can help explain shifting experiences.
Scientific Explanations of Reality Shifting:
- Consciousness and Brain Waves:
- Meditation and deep relaxation can change brain waves. Alpha and theta waves are associated with states when the mind is relaxed and in a creative state. It is thought that these brain waves may also be active during shifting.
- Placebo Effect:
- Believing something to be real can lead to actually experiencing it. Shifting may be a mind game supported by the placebo effect.
- Dreaming and Dream Processes:
- The experience of Shifting may be similar to dreams that occur during REM sleep or hypnagogic visions in a semi-wakeful state.
- Neuroscientific Approach:
- The brain can sometimes have difficulty distinguishing between reality and imagination. Especially in individuals with a strong imagination, imagined situations can feel real. This can be strengthened by the effect of brain chemicals (dopamine, serotonin).
3. Controversies and Criticisms of Reality Shifting:
- States of Consciousness: The majority of shifting experiences can be similar to the transition between sleep and wakefulness. For this reason, scientists argue that such experiences are limited to conscious mental processes or imagination.
- Lack of Evidence: There is no scientific data confirming the shifting experience. Most experiences are based on individual and subjective reports.
- Psychological Effects: People who engage in shifting may experience distorted perceptions of reality or a weakened connection to the real world. This is an issue that requires psychological attention.