Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out? A Typology of Psychedelic Microdosing as Technologies of the Self
Kamile Grusauskaite, Koen van Eijck
Journal of Cultural Analysis and Social Change July 31, 2022 DOI: 10.20897/jcasc/12255 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Psychedelic microdosing |
| Topics | Microdosing |
| Keywords | Typology Perspective graphical Human enhancement Identity music Aesthetics Artificial intelligence |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key findings | Psychedelic microdosing is used in three distinct ways: as a technology of self-esteem and control at work, as a self-help technology, and as a technology of slow living. |
Abstract
Psychedelic microdosing, or taking small doses of psychedelic substances that do not induce intoxication or altered states but rather subtle outcomes such as increased focus, has quickly become a mass media phenomenon. Many claim microdosing has become the new secret to enhancement in work contexts. Drawing from literature on psychedelic microdosing, technologies of the self, self-identity and the sociology of work and leisure, this study understands microdosing as a technology individuals introduce into their lives to modify themselves for various purposes. We explore the ways in which the 1960s iconic psychedelic drugs, that once offered turning on, tuning in and dropping out, are now finding new uses across different contexts. Taking a cultural-sociological perspective, we examine how individuals use microdoses of classic psychedelic drugs and how they make sense of microdosing in their daily lives. Based on our findings, we identify three different uses of psychedelic microdosing: (1) as technology of self-esteem and control at work, (2) as a self-help technology, and (3) as a technology of ‘slow living’.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on microdosing, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychedelic microdosing benefits and challenges: an empirical codebook Active microdosing community | 2019 | Mixed-methods study | |
| Narrative identity, rationality, and microdosing classic psychedelics People who had microdosed classic psychedelics | 2019 | Qualitative study | n = 30 |
| Twenty percent better with 20 micrograms? A qualitative study of psychedelic microdosing self-rapports and discussions on YouTube YouTube videos and comments about psychedelic microdosing | 2019 | Qualitative study | |
| Accounting for Microdosing Classic Psychedelics People who had microdosed classic psychedelics | 2019 | Qualitative study | n = 30 |
| Experiences of microdosing psychedelics in an attempt to support wellbeing and mental health. People who microdose psychedelic drugs | 2023 | Qualitative study | n = 13 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Unlocking the self: Can microdosing psychedelics make one feel more authentic? Nordisk alkohol- & narkotikatidskrift : NAT April 1, 2024
- From Outsider to Insider: A Look at the Subculture of Microdosing Deviant Behavior March 31, 2024
- Sanitizing psychedelics: the biopolitics of non-hallucinogenic psychoplastogens Biosocieties January 8, 2026
Cites 5
- Powerful substances in tiny amounts Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs February 1, 2018
- Microdosing psychedelics: Demographics, practices, and psychiatric comorbidities Journal of Psychopharmacology February 28, 2020
- Narrative identity, rationality, and microdosing classic psychedelics International Journal of Drug Policy May 8, 2019
- Accounting for Microdosing Classic Psychedelics Journal of Drug Issues August 30, 2019
- A systematic study of microdosing psychedelics PLoS One February 6, 2019