Being a teenager is not easy in these turbulent times. The dreams of Generation Z are becoming more diverse. They aspire to very plural desires. This is the result of the Dream On by Pixpay call for projects, which in its 3rd edition collected more than 30,000 teenage dreams. The author of the book “Les rêves chez l’adolescent” and founder of the International School of Dreams, Nicole Gratton came back to us on this particular universe.
We imagine them carefree, anxious, glued to their phones… And yet, the dreams of teenagers are far from what we believe. This is the result of the study conducted by Pixpay, which called on 30,000 teenagers to understand their desires and needs.
After a Covid-19 period when more than a third of young people saw themselves going abroad in 2022, only a quarter now have this dream of traveling. Japan comes first (14%) followed by the United States (13%). Around the world is no longer one of their priorities because only 5% still dream of it.
The desire to become a great sportsman represents 11% of adolescent dreamers. Football remains very much in the lead with 28% followed by motor sports (16%) and basketball (16%). One teenager out of 10 prefers to succeed through education and the life of an artist only attracts 9% of the young people who responded.
Their interest in new technologies does not seem to convince them to become influencers. Only 6% of teenagers see themselves becoming youtubers or streamers.
Entrepreneurship seems to delight only 5% of teenagers with higher figures in the overseas departments (11.3%). It is true that this roughness does not arrive until later between 18 and 24 years.
Finally, if they are given 1,000 euros, 28% think first of their family. 2% of teenagers would give them to a cause close to their hearts against 7% who would keep them all for themselves.
Author of the book “Les rêves chez l’adolescent” and founder of the International School of Dreams, Nicole Gratton returns for us to this particular universe.
Le Courrier de l’Atlas: Do teenagers have more eclectic dreams than adults?
Nicole Gratton : Teenagers dream according to their emotions which are in a period of self-identification. These will guide them to the right choices. They will allow them to put their emotions and their emotional body in order. Dreams speak of us. The teenager can question his dreams. They capture in the world of dreams, privileged information on his life choices. We have infinite potential during childhood and the older we get, the less capacity we have to access it.
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How should they interpret their dreams?
Nicole Gratton : What is perceived during the day is put back in another order. If the young person dreams of a project, it is his daily images that will be specified in his dreams. This will shed light on a questioning or encourage a conviction. A good method is to write down these dreams, what we perceive. It is also an awakening of the senses, of sensuality, of sexuality.
Are there differences in dreams between male and female gender?
Nicole Gratton : In men, we often have dreams of fighting or dreams where there is a need to strengthen his virility. For women, it will go into communication and the validation of emotions.
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Can the current context (crisis, wars, climate change, etc.) condition the dreams of adolescents?
Nicole Gratton : The news we hear is often anxiety-provoking. The 3 functions of dreams are balance, information and transformation. In balance, it must be understood that it is a safety valve that allows them to get out of fears, doubts, anxieties, stress. The informative side explains our potential, our ability to adapt to change, our gifts, our skills. Dreams of transformation are dreams of overcoming. The brain then creates new circuits in which we have paths in relation to our behavior. If we listen to our dreams, we validate our potential for escape, for transformation despite external threats.
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Only 1 in 10 young people later see themselves as artists. Are we moving towards less bohemian lives?
Nicole Gratton : Dreaming of being an artist is a need for recognition. There are often many artistic talents to be developed. The young person may wonder if this is a premonitory dream or a need for recognition. The difficulty is to know what talent we have in ourselves. Dreams can help overcome failures.
Does digital play on the way young people dream?
Nicole Gratton : Social networks have a huge influence. Teenagers are exposed to comments. The young person needs to ask himself where his place is. We have never experienced a period like this. This leaves room for innovation. We are open to the multiplicity of possibilities.
