Turning online to tune in: Psychedelic information seeking in an era of renewed psychedelic curiosity
Oskar Enghoff, Margit Anne Petersen, Søren Holm, Morten Hesse
Journal of Psychedelic Studies May 16, 2025 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1556/2054.2025.00415 via OpenAlex
Summary
A survey of over 1,200 respondents revealed that approximately 55% had used psychedelics. All groups showed a strong preference for online information about psychedelics, with notable differences in how they exchanged information based on their usage patterns. The findings indicate that online content influences not only therapeutic uses but also non-therapeutic consumption of psychedelics among both users and non-users. This insight can help public health institutions engage more effectively in discussions about psychedelics.
Study at a glance
| Design | observational cohort |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1,200 |
| Population | individuals who have used psychedelics therapeutically, non-therapeutically, or not at all |
| Key finding | Online content significantly influences both therapeutic and non-therapeutic psychedelic consumption practices among users and non-users. |
Abstract
Abstract Background and aims Online platforms are popular for exchanging information about psychedelics, including consumption advice. The recent resurgence of public interest in psychedelics will likely intensify this. We aim to further the understanding among researchers, policy makers, medical practitioners, harm reduction practitioners, and social workers, of contemporary psychedelic information exchange and its impact on consumption. With a social learning perspective and a focus on online content, we investigate the use of various sources and types of information by people who have used psychedelics therapeutically, non-therapeutically, or not at all. Methods We deployed an online survey, obtaining a purposive sample of over 1,200 respondents. Approx. 55% had used psychedelics. We included items on seeking, obtaining, and using information about psychedelics. Data was analyzed using comparative frequency tables, comparing respondents across lifetime use of psychedelics (yes/no) and reason for using (therapeutical/non-therapeutical). Results Data showed strong preference for, and use of, online psychedelic information in all groups of respondents. Across groups, considerable differences were observed in patterns of information exchange, including source preferences, sources where information had been obtained, and types of content accessed. Conclusions We found evidence of differing online social learning environments where consumption practices are exchanged. Despite an increasing public focus on psychedelic therapy, online content thus also affects other uses of psychedelics. This content is accessed by people who have or have not used psychedelics, and thus affects both present and potential future use. This can be leveraged by public health institutions wishing to gain a voice in the psychedelic resurgence.