A scoping review of 24 empirical or proof-of-concept studies examined digitally induced altered states of consciousness (DIAL), finding immersive virtual reality, biofeedback, and artificial intelligence as the most prominent technologies, with visual, auditory, and light stimulation as common modalities. Most studies relied on self-reports, focusing on psychophysiological effects or individual differences, while only half reported effect sizes. As the first review to use the DIAL concept, it critically examines existing literature and outlines avenues for further research.
A first-person visual perspective in virtual reality body-scan meditation increased perceived body schema change, but did not affect acceptance of virtual body ownership or control/agency. Audio perspective had no effect on these outcomes. Participants with low immersive tendencies experienced greater body schema change in the first-person visual condition than in the third-person condition. Few participants could articulate their experience in terms of audio. The findings extend understanding of altered self-representations for mindfulness and the design of sound, perspective, and embodiment in virtual reality.
Virtual reality can help some people focus during a guided body-scan meditation by providing audio-visual points of attention, but for others these same features become a source of distraction. The findings highlight both the potential and the pitfalls of using VR for mindfulness and relaxation, and point to the need for further research on interactivity, novelty, self-representation, and whether VR practice transfers to everyday mindfulness.
Digital technologies are increasingly able to induce altered states of consciousness (ASC), a phenomenon the authors term digitally-induced altered states of consciousness (DIAL). Examples range from binaural beats to video games. The authors propose DIAL as a unified field for studying all digital technologies used to alter consciousness. They argue that the societal impact of DIAL technologies will be widespread, affecting political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal (PESTEL) contexts. The paper outlines a research agenda to encourage interdisciplinary discussion and preparation for the ubiquity of these technologies.