Cyberdelics: Designing immersive media for transpersonal experiences

Cyberdelics are forms of immersive media (XR, VR, generative AI worlds) that aim to emulate or induce transpersonal states of consciousness traditionally achieved through ritual, psychedelics, or spiritual practices. This discourse explores cyberdelic context engineering through an interdisciplinary synthesis of historical ritual traditions, transpersonal psychology, and design potentials specific to VR. The study proposes a conceptual design model integrating epistemic expansion, emotional resonance, facilitating conditions, and integration aftereffects, leveraging XR/VR’s strengths in spatial scale and temporal manipulation. The work’s significance lies in its interdiscursive approach, weaving ancient sacred practices with modern technology to envision safe, meaningful experiences. It advocates for ethical design principles—preparation, consent, and support— acknowledging that this medium offers profound opportunities for growth while demanding thoughtful stewardship.