Abstract

As the field of psychedelic research expands its horizons, there has been a pronounced intrigue around ‘self-transcendent experiences’ (STEs), emphasizing their therapeutic value in diminishing the ego and bolstering a sense of connectedness. Historically, in research psychedelic drugs (YDs) have been at the forefront of eliciting intense STEs. We seek to unpack the confluence of Virtual Reality (VR) and its potent ability to evoke these STEs, in particular within group environments.

Analyzing the aesthetic framework of the pioneering international citizen science venture ‘Isness-distributed’ (Isness-D), we highlight VR’s capability to blur the self-other distinction. In this immersive realm, participants shed their physical identities to become mutable, luminous entities, sharing an experience termed ‘energetic coalescence’. This phenomenon introduces a fresh dimension of interconnectedness, allowing individuals to incorporate others into their self-awareness. Findings confirm that such VR-induced states result in questionnaire data that is on par with that from traditional psychedelic experiences.

By juxtaposing VR and YDs, research unveils a perceptual balance shift from ‘top-down’ models to ‘bottom-up’ mechanisms. This shift is evident in feedback from VR experiences immersed in the numadelic aesthetic, pointing towards sensory-driven transcendence of prior beliefs. Participants echo the profound resonance of such coalescent experiences, leading to heightened empathy, connectivity, and deep-seated emotional revelations.

The medium’s aesthetic spectrum is crucial, oscillating between the strikingly vivid ‘simulation aesthetic’ and the elusive ‘numadelic aesthetic’. The latter, we propose, offers a vast canvas for imagination, equipped to challenge deep-seated self-perceptions and resonate with the disintegration often experienced in near-death events. Our research sees VR not merely as a psychedelic counterpart, but as a groundbreaking, autonomous platform. VR’s prowess lies in its ability to challenge norms, dissolve barriers, and transform perceptions in profound ways.