Introduction to the Phenomenon
Social media users have been comparing their recurring dreams of a so-called "shopping center world", despite never having met in real life. Those who have experienced this phenomenon report having labyrinthine dreams in walking environments such as themed parks, apartments, cruise ships, schools, and most often, internal shopping centers. For some, these dreams of an Escher-like "Mall World" have been recurring for years, even decades.
Theories and Discussions
The events of the dreams vary from person to person, but the discovered similarities have sparked a viral discussion on theories of a collective dream room. This has led to the creation of groups such as Reddit’s r/TheMallWorld and the Mall World Discord Channel, where people share their experiences and try to make sense of this phenomenon. The creator of r/TheMallWorld wrote, "I originally created this page to make sure that I was not the only one who experienced this stuff… That has become much larger than expected."
Personal Experiences
Many people have come forward to share their own experiences with the "Mall World" dreams. One social media creator, @Neboringever, discussed her recurring dreams of being in a huge shopping center, which she has been having for 20 years. Some of her viewers claimed to have found themselves in the same dream landscapes for years. Another user, @Tayelain, described her visions of a "mall world" as darker, with clear stairs and narrow shadow corridors with apartment doors that seemed to expand infinitely.
The Search for Answers
Thousands of people have shared their experiences online, claiming that this dream motif has interrupted their good sleep. One user, @phaley247, found r/TheMallWorld after searching for answers about her "water park rooms", which felt like an "AI version" of reality. She said, "Finding the world of the shopping center has literally changed my life because there are 20,000 people who have exactly the same dreams as mine… I finally don’t feel alone."
Expert Insights
Dream analyst Layne Dalfen explained that dreams are a way for our subconscious to reconcile with our inner self. "We are problem-solvers in our dreams. The goal is to help them combine with the very specific, very latest situation that they discussed with themselves when they had the dream." Dalfen believes that the mood caused by the "Mall World" may have connections to anxious real-world attitudes that many people share, producing similar feelings in the past.
The Unconscious Mind
According to Dalfen, the unconscious mind has only one goal: to facilitate an inner conversation and make it come out wherever possible. "It wants you to have the inner conversation and make it out wherever you can discuss it! Get feedback and ideas from those who love and trust." The phenomenon of the "Mall World" dreams remains a mystery, but it has brought people together in their search for answers and understanding.
