Gül Onat, Roy Bendor, Pieter Desmet
Psychedelic research has gained prominence in the scientific and mainstream media, signalling a 'psychedelic renaissance'. Substances such as LSD, MDMA, and psilocybin show significant therapeutic potential for mental health problems, including PTSD, depression, addiction, and anxiety. With medical approval for MDMA and psilocybin expected soon, especially in the US, interest in these substances is growing.
More recently, the concept of microdosing - taking small, regular doses of psychedelics with a specific intention - has gained attention as a new tool for self-improvement, personal growth, and enhanced well-being. Becoming popular in Silicon Valley corporate culture as a 'productivity hack', microdosing is praised for subtle improvements in mood, focus, and creativity, and its popularisation has resulted in significant online activity and public support.
Despite this growing interest, there is still a lack of evidence on the short- or long-term effects of microdosing. The potential ethical implications of increased, socially accepted use remain unclear, and there is uncertainty about regulation due to unforeseen risks and political conflicts.
The primary aim of the project is to stimulate discussion and gather public opinion on the increasing use of psychedelics, particularly in the context of microdosing for self-enhancement in the workplace. By presenting alternative possibilities and encouraging critical thinking, it aims to challenge the dominant ‘techno-utopian positivist narrative of Silicon Valley’ about this emerging optimization technology.
Critical and speculative design is used as the main research approach, serving as a playground to explore the topic in-depth and expand future possibilities by asking 'what-if' questions throughout the process.
Tensions serve as a tactic to make conflicting situations tangible and prompt the audience to ask critical questions. Initially identified during the grounding research phase and refined through multiple design explorations, these tensions are brought to life in a 9-minute film featuring four key moments and several speculative artefacts. By focusing on four central tensions, the project aims to reveal the potential benefits, risks, and challenges of microdosing as a possible future corporate practice, using film as the medium.
While often promoted as a way to boost well-being, creativity, and focus, reflections on the film reveal concerns about the significant social and ethical risks of this trendy technology. A major concern is the potential for authorities to use microdosing as a means to further control and regulate employee performance, highlighting the limited focus on personal well-being in a profit-driven environment. The media hype around cognitive enhancement through microdosing creates an illusion of quick fixes for deeper personal or systemic issues, which this project critically examines.
The discussions over the film also highlight possible cultural appropriation and the risk of commodification of indigenous traditions and psychedelics in Western contexts. It raises ethical questions about the use of plant-based medicines and rituals for purely capitalist and utilitarian gain and urges reflection on wider implications.
The project's findings contribute to ongoing debates by highlighting the need for careful consideration of the ethical and social consequences, as well as discussing the potential benefits and health-related risks, before microdosing is more commonly integrated into corporate culture.
