VR gaming and cyberdelic experiences both use the same hardware—headsets, controllers, computing power—but they create fundamentally different experiences. This mini-lesson helps you understand the critical difference between entertainment VR (directing attention outward into fantasy and stimulation) and cyberdelic VR (directing attention inward toward consciousness itself). You'll evaluate real VR experiences to identify which category they fall into, learning to recognize whether technology is being used for external engagement or internal exploration. This distinction is essential because it determines everything from design choices to the outcomes users experience.
When does VR cross the line from entertainment into cyberdelic territory? This mini-lesson reveals the specific design features that mark that transition. You'll learn to identify the telltale signs: biofeedback integration that responds to your inner state, environments designed to cultivate altered states rather than tell stories, facilitator support for consciousness exploration, and integration practices that extend beyond the headset. You'll work through real-world scenarios evaluating VR applications, developing practical judgment about what makes something truly cyberdelic versus just immersive entertainment. By the end, you'll have clear criteria for recognizing cyberdelic features when you see them.