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Cyberdelic Foundations

Tirso Perez

A foundational course exploring how the cyberdelic paradigm uses technology to facilitate altered states of consciousness, personal transformation, and spiritual exploration without substances.

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Course overview

Everything inside this journey

A clear look at what you’ll learn and what’s included.

About this course

We stand at a unique moment in human history. For millennia, humans have sought to expand consciousness through meditation, ritual, breathwork, and sacred plant medicines. Today, technology offers unprecedented new pathways to these ancient destinations. But the question isn't whether technology will shape human consciousness—it already does, profoundly and continuously. The crucial question is whether we'll guide this evolution with wisdom, intention, and ethical care, or allow it to unfold haphazardly.

Cyberdelic 101 is your comprehensive introduction to this emerging field where consciousness exploration meets technological innovation. This 4-hour foundational course explores cyberdelics—the intentional use of virtual reality, augmented reality, biofeedback systems, and interactive media to facilitate altered states of consciousness, personal transformation, and spiritual exploration without the use of psychoactive substances. More than just education about VR applications, this course represents an invitation to participate in shaping how humanity evolves alongside increasingly powerful technologies.

Whether you're a meditation teacher wondering if technology could enhance your students' practice, a therapist exploring innovative treatment modalities, a technologist seeking meaningful applications beyond entertainment and productivity, or simply someone curious about the frontiers of human potential, this course provides the essential foundation you need. We assume zero prior experience with either VR technology or consciousness facilitation, making this accessible to complete beginners while offering depth that engages experienced practitioners.

3 modules · 27 lessons

Course curriculum

Module 1Defining Cyberdelics8 lessons · 6 interactive
  1. 1Etymology and Historical Context of Cyberdelics
  2. 2The Three Essential Components
  3. 2.1Experience EvaluationInteractive
  4. 3Intention and the Role of the Medium
  5. 4The Unique Advantages of Non-Substance Technologies
  6. 4.1Foundations of CyberdelicsInteractive
  7. 5Foundational Similarities Between Psychedelics and Cyberdelics
  8. 5.1Consulting ScenariosInteractive
  9. 6A Synergistic Approach: Integrating Both Modalities
  10. 6.1Integrating Psychedelics and CyberdelicsInteractive
  11. 7Shifting Intentions: Entertainment vs. Cyberdelic VR
  12. 7.1Evaluating ExperiencesInteractive
  13. 8The Architectural Dimensions of Cyberdelic Design
  14. 10.1Spectrum of Cyberdelic TechnologiesInteractive
Module 2Historical Foundations11 lessons · 8 interactive
  1. 11Timothy Leary's Prophetic Vision and Legacy
  2. 11.11995: The ConferenceInteractive
  3. 12Pioneers of Virtual Reality and Transformation
  4. 13Cultural Movements That Paved the Way
  5. 13.1Pioneers and History of CyberdelicsInteractive
  6. 14The Wilderness Years: Failures and Backlash
  7. 14.1Scenario: The True BelieverInteractive
  8. 15The Rise of Meditation Apps and Mobile Technologies
  9. 15.1Wilderness Years and Mobile TechInteractive
  10. 16The Resurgence of VR: From Oculus to Convergence
  11. 16.1Scenario: The Oculus MomentInteractive
  12. 17The Ecosystem Effect and Broad Market Adoption
  13. 17.1Resurgence of VR and Market AdoptionInteractive
  14. 18The Pandemic Shift: Normalizing Mediated Experiences
  15. 19The Isness Study: Validating VR's Mystical Potential
  16. 20Neural Evidence - Brain Wave Validation of Cyberdelics
  17. 20.1Cyberdelic Convergence MapInteractive
  18. 20.2Validation and NormalizationInteractive
  19. 21Conclusion: The Complete Arc of Validation
Module 3Scientific Understanding8 lessons · 6 interactive
  1. 22Core Theories of Consciousness: GWT and IIT
  2. 23Perception Models: Predictive Processing and Embodied Cognition
  3. 23.1Applying the Theories - A Practitioner ScenarioInteractive
  4. 23.2Theories of ConsciousnessInteractive
  5. 24The Psychology of Presence and Immersion
  6. 25Virtual Embodiment and the Proteus Effect
  7. 25.1Presence & Embodiment Parameter ExplorerInteractive
  8. 25.2Psychology of Presence and EmbodimentInteractive
  9. 26Attention and Default Mode Network Modulation
  10. 27Emotional Regulation and Shifts in Perspective
  11. 28Integration and Neuroplasticity Mechanisms
  12. 28.1Session ScenarioInteractive
  13. 28.2Neuroplasticity and Emotional RegulationInteractive
  14. 29Experiential Validation and Design Principles

What you'll get

What's included

6 things come with this course.

  • Three Core Modules
  • Foundational Vocabulary
  • Grounded Examples
  • Field Orientation
  • Reflection Prompts
  • Completion Badge

Before you start

Requirements

6 things to have ready.

What you'll walk away with

By the end

Knowledge you'll gain6 points
  • Clear, precise definition of cyberdelics and ability to distinguish from related fields
  • Understanding of historical development from vision to validated practice
  • Scientific literacy in consciousness research, VR psychology, and altered states
  • Familiarity with current platforms, their capabilities, and appropriate applications
  • Awareness of ecosystem stakeholders, opportunities, and challenges
  • Critical thinking tools for evaluating claims and assessing quality
Perspectives that may shift6 points
  • Technology as potential tool for consciousness rather than inherent distraction
  • VR as legitimate transformation pathway, not just gaming or entertainment
  • Science and spirituality as complementary rather than contradictory
  • Personal agency in shaping how technology affects human consciousness
  • Hope about humanity’s relationship with increasingly powerful technologies
  • Curiosity about your own consciousness and its potential development
Skills you'll develop6 points
  • Ability to explain cyberdelics clearly to various audiences
  • Framework for evaluating platforms and experiences critically
  • Understanding of safety considerations and ethical questions
  • Capacity to engage meaningfully in cyberdelic communities
  • Foundation for either personal practice or professional facilitation
  • Vision for how you might contribute to field development

Before you decide

Frequently asked

Who is this course for?
  • Consciousness Workers: Meditation teachers, yoga instructors, breathwork facilitators, spiritual directors, life coaches, and wellness practitioners curious about integrating technology into their offerings.
  • Healthcare Professionals: Therapists, counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, pain specialists, and addiction counselors exploring innovative treatment modalities.
  • Technology Professionals: Software developers, UX designers, product managers, and entrepreneurs in VR/AR seeking meaningful applications beyond entertainment and productivity.
  • Researchers and Students: Academic researchers in psychology, neuroscience, human-computer interaction, or consciousness studies seeking comprehensive overview of the field.
  • Personal Growth Seekers: Individuals curious about their own consciousness exploration using technology.
  • Skeptics and Critical Thinkers: Those who suspect "cyberdelic" might be New Age pseudoscience or Silicon Valley hype.
How long do I have access to the course?

You will have lifetime access to this course as a member. This is a complementary course to all of our members upon signing up. Its a pre-requisite to take this course before many of the other courses in the academy

Is there a certificate upon completion?

You will earn a Cyberdelics 101 badge upon completion

What if I'm not satisfied with the course?

Since this course is free we are always looking for feedback on how we could improve the experience this course brings.

How long does it take to complete the course?

The duration varies based on your learning pace. On average, completing the course may take several weeks to a few months.

How much time should I dedicate per week?

5-10 hours

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