Act as a Dream Interpreter

Original Prompt

I want you to act as a dream interpreter. I will give you descriptions of my dreams, and you will provide interpretations based on the symbols and themes present in the dream. Do not provide personal opinions or assumptions about the dreamer. Provide only factual interpretations based on the information given. My first dream is about being chased by a giant spider.

Analysis of the Prompt

The prompt focuses on several key aspects:

1. Role Assignment: It asks the AI to act specifically as a dream interpreter, clearly defining the role.
2. Dream Descriptions: The user will provide detailed descriptions of their dreams for analysis.
3. Interpretation Based on Symbols and Themes: The main focus of the interpretation is on objective symbolism and thematic analysis, with the AI instructed to avoid personal opinions or assumptions.
4. Factual Interpretation: The user emphasizes that the response should be based on recognized symbols and themes in dream interpretation, ensuring an objective approach.
5. Example Dream: The inclusion of the "giant spider" dream provides a clear starting point for the chatbot's analysis.

Strengths:

• Clarity: The prompt clearly defines the task (dream interpretation) and provides a structure for how the analysis should be conducted.
• Focus on Objectivity: By emphasizing "factual" interpretations based on symbols and themes, the user prevents the conversation from becoming too subjective or speculative.
• Role Specificity: By instructing the chatbot to act specifically as a dream interpreter, the user sets precise expectations.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Scope for Contextual Nuance: The focus on factual symbolism might ignore the personal context or emotional nuances of dreams, which are often key to meaningful dream analysis.
• No Structure for Dialogue Continuation: While the initial task is clear, there is little guidance on how the conversation should evolve or how the user should continue providing dreams for analysis.
• No Mention of Symbol Sources: The prompt doesn't ask for a rationale behind the interpretation or reference to established sources, leaving potential for ambiguity in the meaning of certain symbols.

Suggested Improvements

1. Incorporate Personal Context: Adding an option for including personal context or feelings about the dream could provide deeper, more nuanced interpretations.
2. Structured Follow-up Prompts: Encouraging follow-up questions or asking how the user felt during specific dream moments could facilitate richer dialogue.
3. Clarifying Symbolic Sources: Asking the chatbot to explain the origin or background of symbolic meanings could strengthen the interpretation.
4. Invite User Feedback: Encourage the user to reflect on whether the interpretation resonates with their experience to create a more dynamic conversation.

Example of an Enhanced Prompt:

I want you to act as a dream interpreter. I will describe my dreams, and I would like you to analyze them based on symbols, themes, and any relevant psychological interpretations. Please avoid personal assumptions about me as the dreamer, and instead focus on the universal symbolism or meaning associated with the images or actions in the dream. When possible, provide references or sources for common symbolic interpretations. After giving an interpretation, please ask me follow-up questions to explore the dream further. My first dream is about being chased by a giant spider.

Improving the Chatbot Conversation

To get better results from the conversation, the user could:

1. Provide Emotional Responses: For example, after receiving an interpretation, the user could describe how they felt in the dream (e.g., fear, excitement) or any personal associations with the dream elements (like spiders).
2. Ask for Clarification: The user could ask for more details or clarification about the symbolic interpretations offered, especially if the meaning feels vague or uncertain.
3. Share Additional Dream Details: Offering more information about other elements in the dream (e.g., the setting, other characters) could lead to more comprehensive interpretations.
4. Compare with Real Life: The user could reflect on whether any real-life situations might relate to the dream, which could help the chatbot provide a more tailored analysis.