Why do some people dream in black and white?

Dreams have been a subject of fascination and study for centuries. Although most people report dreaming in color, there is a percentage who experience black and white dreams. This phenomenon has intrigued researchers and has led to various theories about its causes.

Historical evolution of black and white dreams

In the early 20th century, studies indicated that a large portion of the population dreamed in black and white. For example, in 1915, only 20% of reported dreams contained color. This trend continued until the 1950s, when only 15% of people reported dreaming in color. However, in the 1960s, there was a significant change: approximately 82.7% of people began reporting dreams in color.

Influence of the media

One of the most widely accepted theories to explain this change is the influence of visual media. Before the popularization of color television and film, people were accustomed to consuming black and white content. This constant exposure could have influenced the way the brain recreated images during sleep. With the arrival and widespread use of color television, younger generations, exposed from an early age to colorful images, began to dream predominantly in color.

A study by scientist Eva Murzyn from the University of Dundee supports this theory. In her research, Murzyn found that 22% of older people dreamed in black and white, while only 4% of younger people reported the same. This suggests that exposure to coloured media during childhood and adolescence could play a crucial role in dream perception.

Additional factors that influence dream perception

In addition to the influence of the media, there are other factors that could determine whether a person dreams in color or black and white:

Personal experiences: Individual experiences and the associations we make with certain colors or the absence of them can influence the way we dream. For example, someone who has worked extensively with black and white photographs might be more predisposed to dream without color.
Sensory or visual limitations: People with visual impairments or color blindness may experience dreams that reflect their daily perceptions, which could result in dreams that are black and white or have a limited color palette.
Genetic or hereditary factors: Some research suggests that genetics may influence color perception in dreams, although this field still requires further study to obtain definitive conclusions.
Memory and information processing: The way the brain processes and stores information may affect the vividness and color of dreams. It's possible that when consolidating memories, some details, such as colors, are omitted, resulting in black-and-white dreams.
Cultural or social influence: Cultural norms and shared experiences within a society can shape how people dream. For example, in cultures where black and white art is predominant, more individuals may report dreams without color.
Medical conditions or medication use: Certain medical conditions or the use of medications that affect sensory perception may influence the dream experience, altering color perception in dreams.
Emotional or psychological response: Emotions and psychological states can influence the nature of dreams. Some theories suggest that black and white dreams may be related to specific emotional states or to the repression of certain emotions.

Black and white dreams in science and culture

Black and white dreams have been depicted in various forms of art and culture. In literature, some works have described monochrome dreams as a way of expressing nostalgia or emotional disconnection. In cinema, many classic black and white films depict the dream world in a symbolic way, such as in Akira Kurosawa's The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari or Dreams.

Additionally, some studies have looked at how the frequency of black-and-white dreams can change depending on age, culture, and historical context. In the 1940s, when black-and-white television dominated, more people reported such dreams. Today, they are much rarer to encounter.

Conclusion

The experience of dreaming in black and white is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by a combination of historical, cultural, personal, and biological factors. Although exposure to black and white media appears to play a significant role, it is essential to recognize that each individual is unique, and the nature of their dreams reflects that uniqueness. As we progress in understanding the human mind and its processes, we are likely to discover more about the complexities of our dreams and the reasons behind their various manifestations.

Sources

Psychology Corner. "Are dreams in color or black and white?" Available at rinconpsicologia.com
Mundo Deportivo. "The reason why some people dream in black and white" Available at mundodeportivo.com
Terxy. "Do you dream in color or in black and white?" Available at terxy.com