Dreams of the Jobless: Insights from Large-Scale Analysis of Online Dream Reports

The International Association for the Study of Dreams [Online 2025]

Conference Abstract

Emily cook & Kyle Napierkowski

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This presentation introduces a novel methodology for analyzing large-scale online dream reports, specifically designed to study sub-population differences in dream content. Based on the continuity hypothesis (Bell & Hall, 1971), which suggests that dream content reflects waking life experiences, this methodology allows researchers to explore how different life circumstances shape dreams. Our analysis focuses on the differences between unemployed and employed individuals, providing a compelling test case for the application of this new approach.

By drawing on established psychological theories and leveraging machine learning techniques, this method enables the large-scale collection and analysis of dream reports from online platforms such as Reddit. Traditional dream research has often been limited by small sample sizes and subjective interpretation; this methodology addresses these challenges by automating the collection and analysis of thousands of dream reports, offering a more objective and scalable approach.

In this presentation, we will discuss the development of this methodology and its application to the study of unemployment’s impact on dream content. Through our analysis of 6,478 dream reports, we identified differences between the dreams of unemployed and employed individuals. Most notable, unemployment was associated with a decrease in engagement with the dream environment. These findings provide new insights into the psychological impact of unemployment and demonstrate the power of large-scale dream analysis for studying specific sub-populations.

Attendees will gain an understanding of how this methodology can be applied to future research in both dream science and workforce intelligence, offering a new lens for examining the intersection of life circumstances and dream content. Practical applications, limitations, and future directions for expanding this research will also be discussed.