Virtual reality is no longer just a game for geeks or a tool for hardcore gamers. Today, thanks to a mix of technology and neuroscience, it promises to catapult us into previously unexperienced mental states—without the need for drugs or other substances.
According to a study led by Professor Joseph Riva of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Milan, some immersive experiences can provoke “visual hallucinations similar to those induced by psychedelic substances”.
A phenomenon that the research team has given an emblematic name: “Cyberdelica” — the perfect fusion of “cyber” and “psychedelia”.
The mental journey without drugs
During the experiment, 50 volunteers were immersed for ten minutes in two virtual reality videos: The Secret Garden and its “hallucinatory” version.
The result? Measurable cognitive changes in a very short time.
According to Riva, “virtual reality is capable of replicating some of the positive effects typical of psychotropic substances, such as greater mental flexibility and creativity.”
A digital “trip,” in short, that could one day become part of our therapeutic or creative routine.
From psilocybin to VR headsets
Meanwhile, while in countries like the United States and Switzerland substances like LSD and psilocybin They are being studied to treat depression and mood disorders. In Italy, research is moving in a parallel but safer direction: virtual reality as a therapeutic alternative.
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The so-called cyberdelic could in fact offer the benefits of psychedelics, without the chemical side effects.
But experts warn: even this new frontier is not without risks — symptoms such as nausea, disorientation, and a severe alteration in perception can occur, especially in sensitive individuals.
An open door to the brain of the future
Immersive experiences, increasingly realistic and engaging, are opening the door to a new era of exploration of the human mind.
Like every "journey" into the unknown, this one also brings with it fascination and dangers: it will be essential to understand What long-term effects virtual reality can have on the brain?, for better or for worse.
Today it's a game, tomorrow it could become therapy — or perhaps, a new form of addiction.
Comments (1)
The article about virtual reality is interesting, but I'm not sure it's completely safe, especially for those with perception issues. The experiences can be fascinating, but there are also risks, such as nausea and disorientation, that shouldn't be underestimated.