Deep-dream 360° virtual reality videos for stimulating creativity: A pilot study

Altered states—as induced by altering substances or mindful experiences - are connected with higher levels of creativity. Deep-dream 360° virtual reality videos are being used successfully to simulate altered states in participants. The present study aims to pilot-test whether two deep-dream 360° videos with different layers of distortion can be used to stimulate creativity in subjects and evaluate their emotional response. Twenty-eight participants took part in the experiment. Albeit non-statistically significant, results show that both deep-dream 360° videos generate higher levels of creativity and higher emotional arousal than the non-modified control video.