Dennis Walker- Psychedelics in the Age of Social Media: A Satirical Goldmine

Satire and parody are applied to the modern psychedelic movement to critique the rise of performative online figures and the commercialization of the space. The presentation dissects common archetypes within the online psychedelic community, such as the self-appointed spiritual guide, the microdosing mentor, and the corporate opportunist, highlighting how specific online behaviors and business practices often mirror the very corporate dynamics they claim to oppose. These online personae are contrasted with the serious, often sacred, traditional roots of psychedelic use. The discussion advocates for a more critical approach to online information, urging audiences to discern between genuine exploration and the performative, algorithm-driven content that currently dominates digital spaces.