Why Can't I Teleport Yet? (And why my Brain wants me to)

Image Source: Still from Coraline (2009), directed by Henry Selick. © Laika.

Every time I leave class, and it’s time for me to go home, my brain strikes me with the thought: How nice would it be if I could teleport home? 

Walking ten minutes just to see your bus leave right in front of you, running after the bus while everyone thinks you're crazy, waiting at the bus stop for 25 minutes due to CTA delays, are all the things that could be avoided if I could teleport home. Sadly, physics doesn’t really work in my favor, and I don’t think it will ever plan to. So why does my brain want me to teleport? 

My brain, and honestly everyone’s brain, wants to conserve energy and their cognitive abilities, and because of this, we always go for the option that is more convenient. We would like to avoid discomfort, even if it’s not ideal. This is called cognitive ease: the tendency to prefer situations that require minimal effort to process. 

When we’re tired, overwhelmed, or even overstimulated, our brain craves the easy way out. Teleportation isn’t just about convenience; it’s a mental escape. It’s a fantasy that I find myself daydreaming about. 

While we may long for the convenience of teleportation, I think it’s important to also value the convenience of getting from one place to another. Walking to class, walking to the bus stop, or just being outside in general is something that keeps me grounded. Our brain thrives on routine, so it makes me wonder how long it would take for me to thrive on teleportation? Definitely not that long. 

The longing for teleportation will be something that will always stick with me. Sometimes it’s framed as a joke, sometimes as a daydream, or even as a wish to be around the people you want to be with. That’s probably why it’s in my head so often; it’s not about skipping the walk or waiting, it’s about ease and comfort. But I guess I was missing the ease and comfort of walking and waiting. In the meantime, I’ll be running after the bus.