Reality shifting

{{psychic}}{{internet}}

{{cquote|There are people who think I’m crazy in my family. But I’m like, ‘It’s fine.’ I know it’s real, and if you don’t know it’s real, if you don’t want to believe in it, I can’t change your mind,”|||Kristin Dattoo, self-proclaimed reality shifter<ref name=WaPo>Andrews, Travis (17 July 2021). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/07/17/reality-shifting-tiktok/ "Inside 'reality shifting,' the trend where TikTokers claim they can enter the world of Harry Potter"]. ''The Washington Post''.</ref>}}

'''Reality shifting''' is described as the process of moving one's [[consciousness]] into alternate realities. Practitioners will "shift" from their current [[reality]] (CR) to one's desired reality (DR). This "desired reality" can be anything that one creates or chooses. It's [[pseudoscientific]] at best and [[delusional]] at worst. With the entire multiverse supposedly at our fingertips, the process is commonly used to "shift" to fictional worlds such as Hogwarts in the ''[[Harry Potter]]'' universe. It was popularized on [[TikTok]] by fans of the ''Harry Potter'' character Draco Malfoy,<ref name=WaPo /> who, realizing that they would never be with their fictional crush, chose it as a method of coping with that cruel reality.

This all might ''sound'' pretty harmless at first, but reality shifting is not entirely innocuous. The practice can encourage unhealthy coping methods and dissociation for dealing with the stresses of real-life. Further, the online reality shifting community tends to lure vulnerable young people into their beliefs with [[cult]]-like and glamorizing tactics.<ref name=Hyperallergic /> In the end, it is more likely to encourage dangerous habits of {{wpl|Dissociation (psychology)|dissociation}} and avoiding reality in these people, preventing them from getting the help that they actually need.

==Theory and premise==
Reality shifters explain this practice based on the likely-[[unfalsifiable]] theory that [[multiverse|infinite universes]] exist and that through "shifting" one's subconscious through a type of [[meditation]], anyone in any universe can go from one reality to another.<ref name=Mashable>Cavender, Elena (27 July 2021). [https://mashable.com/article/reality-shifting-tiktok "TikTok's reality shifting trend mixes dream-like consciousness with fandoms"]. ''Mashable''.</ref><ref name=Hyperallergic>Dolbey, Guy (25 January 2021). [https://hyperallergic.com/615655/reality-shifting-tiktok/ "The Strange World of TikTok "Reality Shifters""]. ''Hyperallergic''.</ref> Reality shifters believe that the experience of shifting is vastly different from that of [[lucid dreaming]] because lucid dreaming occurs while one's subconscious remains in their current reality, and because reality shifting is described by shifters as being more lifelike than an ordinary [[lucid dream]]. It is said that when one shifts, one is physically shifting one's [[mind]] and awareness to another reality in which one already exists,<ref group=note>Essentially, when one reality shifts, one is taking over the body and mind of one's self that lives in the universe that one is shifting to.</ref> and that one is living another life that is as real as the life experienced in one's current world.<ref name=Mashable></ref>

But, if reality shifting is anything, it most likely ''is'' lucid dreaming (or an incredibly vivid dream). Since shifting normally takes place whilst asleep and requires one to manifest things that one wishes to happen in one's desired reality, it shouldn't be ''too'' surprising that one would have a dream about one's desired reality.<ref name=Odd1sOut></ref>

==Methods==
Most methods of reality shifting require one to put one's body to [[sleep]] whilst remaining conscious.<ref name=Mashable></ref> The raven method, which involves lying down in a starfish position and counting down from 100 while imagining one's desired reality, is a popular reality shifting method.<ref name=Mashable></ref><ref group=note>It, like most reality shifting methods, is a procedure that is carried out while one is sleeping; when one awakens, one is (supposedly) in one's desired reality.</ref> Another popular method is the ''[[Alice in Wonderland]]'' method, which involves imagining oneself running after someone from their desired reality and jumping down a hole with them.<ref name=iDVice>Smith, Serena (20 June 2021). [https://i-d.vice.com/en_uk/article/y3z8vm/what-is-reality-shifting-and-why-is-it-taking-over-tiktok "What is 'reality shifting' and why is it taking over TikTok?"]. ''i-D''. Vice Media.</ref>

Many shifters rely on [[music]] known as "[[subliminal audios|'''subliminals''']]" to help them shift. In the context of reality shifting, subliminals are defined as audio of various affirmations that have been sped up or slowed down past an audible level and overlaid over some other noise, most commonly music or ambient noise, such as rain.<ref name=Mashable></ref> Before shifting, one may experience "symptoms" such as tingling, numbness, or seeing a bright white light.<ref name=Mashable></ref><ref name=iDVice></ref>

==Terminology and experiences==
Traveling to Hogwarts in the ''Harry Potter'' universe and becoming the character Draco Malfoy's girlfriend is arguably the most popular desired reality, and undeniably the most famous; the Marvel Cinematic Universe is another.<ref name=WaPo></ref><ref name=InTheKnow>Mather, Katie. [https://www.intheknow.com/post/reality-shifting-trend-takes-over-tiktok/ "'REALITY SHIFTING' TREND TAKES OVER TIKTOK"]. ''In The Know''. Verizon Media.</ref> Shifters use safe words or phrases to return to their current reality.<ref name=Mashable></ref>

Some shifters write "scripts" that outline what they want to happen in their desired reality. Each shifting script is unique to the person; some write it down, while others repeat it aloud while attempting to shift.<ref name=Mashable></ref> It may take months of effort to successfully reality shift;<ref name=Mashable></ref> most members of the reality shifting community have not yet shifted.<ref name=Hyperallergic></ref>

A "waiting room" is a term used to describe the state that exists between one's current reality and one's desired reality.<ref name=WaPo></ref>

A "clone" is described as a piece of one's consciousness that is left behind when one shifts. It is also described as an extension of one's consciousness that acts the same way that you would do in your current reality.<ref name=RedditGuide></ref> People have claimed to have shifted for periods up to ''days'' or ''months'', leaving their clones behind to experience their current reality.<ref>[https://old.reddit.com/r/shiftingrealities/comments/lvwtoz/i_shifted_for_a_whole_cr_8_days_ama_a_few_tips/ "I shifted for a whole CR 8 days, AMA + a few tips"] ([https://archive.md/DcfUM Archive])</ref><ref>[https://old.reddit.com/r/shiftingrealities/comments/mzkt5v/i_shifted_for_7_cr_months_to_escape_this/ "I Shifted for 7 CR months to Escape this Realities Trauma, It's Possible & Here's my Experience"] ([https://archive.md/CAQgE Archive]) </ref>

"Respawning" is described as permanently and completely leaving one's current reality for one's desired reality. Respawning is considered a form of [[suicide]], but some people leave a clone behind of themselves to continue their life in their current reality. It is considered to be a very controversial subject among reality shifters.<ref name=RedditGuide>[https://old.reddit.com/r/shiftingrealities/comments/mn86d1/start_here/ "START HERE"] ([https://archive.md/45b6P Archive])</ref>

=='Proof' of reality shifting==
[[file:tumbleweed.gif|center]]

All "proof" of reality shifting that has ever been presented is completely worthless, as it consists solely of [[anecdotal evidence]] that can't be [[Falsifiability|proven to be false]]. The entire phenomenon is untestable; convenient [[escape hatches]] of "oh, the experience is different for everyone" and "maybe you just need more practice" are used by reality shifters when they are confronted with counter-arguments.

Some reality shifters often cite a declassified Army/[[CIA]] document from 1983 as 'proof' that reality shifting is real and documented. This report is about something called the "Gateway Method", which is described as a way to transcend [[spacetime]] with one's own mind.<ref>Hale, Tom (11 March 2021). [https://www.iflscience.com/brain/in-1983-the-cia-wrote-a-bizarre-report-about-transcending-spacetime-with-your-mind/ "In 1983, The CIA Wrote A Bizarre Report About Transcending Spacetime With Your Mind] ''IFLScience''.</ref><ref>[https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP96-00788R001700210016-5.pdf Analysis and Assessment of Gateway Process] by Wayne M. McDonnell (9 June 1983) ''Department of the Army'' via ''CIA''.</ref> They claim that the Gateway Method is a description of reality shifting. However, other reality shifters state that the report is outdated and not based on current beliefs about [[neuroscience]].<ref>[https://old.reddit.com/r/shiftingrealities/comments/l0o7ny/can_you_stop_sharing_misinformation_please_read/ "Can you stop sharing misinformation? Please, read"] ([https://archive.md/FrupN Archive])</ref> 

Besides CIA documents straight out of ''[[The Men Who Stare at Goats]]'' and incomprehensible [[pseudoscience]], the main 'proof' of reality shifting comes from personal experiences, which mainly consist of someone fangirling about how they were able to meet their favorite characters and that "[reality shifting] IS TOTALLY REAL!!!" because they claim that they've done it themselves.<ref>[https://old.reddit.com/r/shiftingrealities/comments/oxln79/guys_its_real/ "GUYS!!! ITS REAL!!!!!"] ([https://archive.md/Z8tmW Archive])</ref> Like most personal experiences, they may be unreliable and consist of personal [[bias]]es.<ref>{{wpa|On the Internet, nobody knows you're a dog}}</ref>

=='Scientific' explanations==
Reality shifting appears to be a sort of [[hypnosis|self-hypnosis]], according to Dr. Laura Rosser Kreiselmaier, a [[holistic]] psychotherapist. Kreiselmaier also argued that altered states of consciousness have existed for a long period of time, citing people who claim to have had mystical experiences and others who use [[Psychedelic drug|drugs to alter their consciousness]]. She additionally stated that reality shifting may be gaining traction due to world events such as the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name=WaPo></ref>{{efn|Then again, reading from her personal website, Laura Kreiselmaier is a therapist who is [[Reiki]] trained and encourages [[prayer]] and [[essential oils]] for her clients,<ref>[https://archive.ph/Gxq58 Dr. Laura Kreiselmaier, Holistic Therapist] (archived from 18 Sep 2021 19:03:55 UTC).</ref> so take her opinion with [[skepticism]].}}

According to therapist Grace Warwick, reality shifting is not lucid dreaming, but rather a transliminal experience.{{efn|Transliminal is a term coined by [[parapsychologist]] Michael Thalbourne to indicate hypersensitivity to the paranormal.<ref>"A common thread underlying belief in the paranormal, mystical experience and psychopathology" by M. A. Thalbourne & P. S. Delin (1994) ''Journal of Parapsychology'' 58:3-38.</ref>}} She claims that transliminal experiences happen while one is awake and are more prevalent when one's mind is in a relaxed condition, such as when someone wakes up or before they go to sleep. She cites that the scripts for shifting that are popular on social media involve being half-asleep as a starting point, and then gradually add repeated music or reverse counting. All of these variables, she claims, would create a condition favorable to a transliminal experience. She describes the important function of a script as used in reality shifting as interesting and compares it to a [[meditation|guided meditation]] or using active imagination.<ref name=iDVice></ref>

A University of London student mentioned reality shifting and its community in a 2021 bachelor's dissertation, noting that it was almost like a sudden manifestation of [[spirituality]], "formulated by individual users as an extension of their personal content creation".<ref>[https://www.academia.edu/50946369/Digital_Spirituality_Technological_Re_Enchantment_in_2020_1_An_exploration_of_Witchcraft_and_Reality_Shifting_on_TikTok_as_post_modern_spiritualities_existing_in_Wouter_Hanegraaff_s_mirror_of_secular_thought ''Digital spirituality: Technological Re-enchantment IN 2020/1? An exploration of witchcraft and Reality shifting ON TikTok AS (post)modern Spiritualities existing IN Wouter Hanegraaff’s <nowiki>'</nowiki>mirror of secular thought<nowiki>'</nowiki>''] by Esmé Lily Katherine Partridge (2021) SOAS, University of London.</ref>

A study on reality shifting was published in the journal Current Psychology in 2021.<ref name="somer">Somer, E., Cardeña, E., Catelan, R.F. et al. [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12144-021-02439-3 Reality shifting: psychological features of an emergent online daydreaming culture.] ''Curr Psychol''. (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-02439-3</ref>  The study compared it to other forms of daydreaming and "showed its resemblance to other mental activities involving intense engagement in vivid fantasy"; the researchers placed it nearer to normal daydreaming than to pathological daydreaming.<ref name="somer" />

== Online community ==
The largest communities dedicated to reality shifting exist on the social media platforms Amino,<ref name=iDVice></ref> TikTok, and [[Reddit]].<ref name=InTheKnow></ref> Videos under the hashtag "realityshifting" on TikTok have over 165 million views, and videos using the hashtag "shiftingrealities" have more than 1.7 billion.<ref name=WaPo></ref><ref name=InTheKnow></ref> Reality shifting tutorials also exist on [[YouTube]].<ref name=Mashable></ref>

[[YouTube]]r Strange Aeons argues in her video on the subject that reality shifting is in great part a form of {{wpl|fanfiction}}, particularly self-insert, as demonstrated by the immense amount of shifters using the purported ability to shift into fictional settings (e.g. Hogwarts).<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbWp0z5p8x0 A Very Deep Dive into Reality Shifting]. Strange Aeons, 30 Jan 2024.</ref> A lot of people want to date Draco Malfoy. With this in mind, the unique structure of the shifting community begins to make a lot more sense, because it is doubling both as a spiritual community and a fandom.

Most reality shifting content creators make content about their experiences in the worlds that they have shifted to<ref name=Hyperallergic></ref> and also make guides about reality shifting. Some of these creators are also a major source in introducing people to reality shifting and also tend to act as an authoritative voice of sorts; their power enables them to help create the cult-like space seen within the reality-shifting community. One technique used is claiming that if one was not able to shift, they did not believe enough in shifting and have not tried hard enough.<ref group=note>Ironically, losing confidence in shifting is also described as [https://i.imgur.com/tlcVSTy.png being a "symptom" that one will shift soon], further increasing confusion.</ref><ref name=Hyperallergic></ref><ref name=Odd1sOut>[https://youtube.com/watch?v=q1mLq0QCkPk "My Thoughts on Reality Shifting"] by TheOdd1sOut</ref> Another cult-like technique that is used includes a reliance on things such as CIA documents and unverifiable personal experiences as "proof". The positivity of the community is also considered creepy by some.

It is general belief among reality shifters that the TikTok reality-shifting community (also known as Shifttok) is the "least reliable" place for shifting information and is also rampant with misinformation; 'experienced' reality shifters recommend platforms such as Reddit and Amino for trustworthy information.<ref>[https://old.reddit.com/r/shiftingrealities/comments/nkzwpu/get_off_tiktok_seriously/ "Get Off TikTok... Seriously."] ([https://archive.md/j83jW Archive])</ref><ref>[https://old.reddit.com/r/shiftingrealities/comments/obz6ph/the_shifttok_community_is_so_far_behind_kind_of/ "The shifttok community is so far behind 💀"] ([https://archive.md/3AWWt Archive])</ref>

==So ''why'' is reality shifting so damaging?==
Reality shifting promotes the idea that dissociating oneself from the real world is both ''cool'' and beneficial. It may lead some people to genuinely believe that they can just simply run away to their desired reality and leave their current reality behind; that is '''not''' how the world works. It's a trend that preys on young people and the mentally ill, who are seeking ways to get rid of the pain they face in their life; a simple look through reality shifting communities allows you to see that some shifters simply want to escape their current reality due to abuse and/or trauma.

Many shifters and ex-shifters alike have attested to sometimes detrimental effect this practice can have.<ref>[https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/news/reality-shifting-where-users-theyre-151555543.html?_fsig=6KCnMY0EP8A.tJ8DX7mCcw--%7EA 'Reality shifting' where users say they're transported to another life has exploded on TikTok, but former shifters say it harmed their mental health]. Columbo, Charlotte. 26 Jan 2022. Yahoo.</ref>

==See also==
*[[Carlos Castaneda]] — a guy who promoted the [[drug]]ged-up pseudo-shamanic way of reality shifting
*[[Quantum Jumping]] – a [[quantum woo]] version
*[[Ed Dames]] — an Army major who did [[remote viewing]] 'research'
*''[[The Men Who Stare at Goats]]'' — the [[goat]]ier version from the Army
*[[Groupthink]]
*[[Out-of-body experience]]
*[[Tulpa]]
*[[Otherkin]]
*[[Subliminal audios]] — an overlapping pseudoscientific belief system, often used in conjuction with shifting.
*[[Lucid dreaming]] (a popular theory as to what reality-shifting experiences actually are)

{{otherlang
|es=Reality shifting (español)}}

==External links==
* [https://old.reddit.com/r/shiftingrealities/comments/k47b61/the_complete_shifting_science_my_6page_summary_of/ A reality shifter's incomprehensible "explanation" of the "science" behind reality shifting] ([https://archive.md/TE4DI Archive])
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buSSz5FJP5s "Harry Potter and the Shifting TikTokers"] and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar3_LwVNhgY The CIA Document That "Proves" Shifting is Real] by nickisnotgreen
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1mLq0QCkPk "My Thoughts on Reality Shifting"] by TheOdd1sOut
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbWp0z5p8x0 "A Very Deep Dive into Reality Shifting"] by Strange Aeons
*{{wpa|Maladaptive daydreaming}}
*{{wpa|Spectacle (critical theory)}}

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=note}}

==References==
{{reflist|2|80%}}

[[Category:Internet culture]]
[[Category:Pseudoscience]]
[[Category:Sleep]]

Categories: Internet culture, Pseudoscience, Sleep