Dream Technology Gives People Wings
tap into: to use or access a resource, ability, or idea to get something useful from it
Have you ever wanted to tap into your own dreams? In the summer of 2024, visitors at a museum in Switzerland had the chance to do just that. Artist Carsten Höller and scientist Adam Haar Horowitz created a unique art installation called Dream Hotel Room 1. Guests slept on a robotic bed while a glowing mushroom moved above them. This setup was designed to help visitors dream of flying. The bed used sensors to track when the person was asleep. It then used movement, lights, and sounds to encourage dreams about flying. Many visitors reported flying through the air or feeling weightless in their dreams.
This exhibition was just one of many projects that are attempting to tap into our dreams. Some scientists are creating wearable devices that sense different stages of sleep. These devices then use special sounds or lights to help people have lucid dreams. Studies show that these methods may help reduce bad dreams and PTSD. They can also improve sleep quality and boost creativity. In the future, sleep technology could make dreaming a tool for health and well-being.
Sample sentences
The charity event tried to tap into the community’s generosity by sharing stories of families in need.
The chef read her grandmother’s old cookbooks to tap into the traditions behind her family’s recipes.
The teacher played quiet music to tap into the students’ creativity during writing time.
Origin
This expression comes from comes from the old practice of tapping a tree or barrel to collect liquid, like sap or water. Over time, the meaning expanded to include accessing any kind of resource, whether physical or abstract. Now, it is often used to describe using skills, knowledge, or opportunities.
Read More:
The New Science of Controlling Lucid Dreams