ASMR
ASMR videos have quickly become some of the most-watched content online, amassing millions of views in no time at all. People use them as a way to relax before sleeping, and evidence suggests they can even help with anxiety or tension headaches.
ASMR videos may not be for everyone. Some individuals may experience no sensation at all, while others could become annoyed or stressed from the stimuli used.
ASMR Meaning
ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) is a sensation felt in the crown of one’s head that spreads down their spine and limbs, often described as “brain tingles.” Triggers for ASMR include whispering, tapping or stroking of specific objects, as well as personal contact, such as brushing hair. Tingling may continue for minutes and then fade, leaving people feeling calm and relaxed, some even claiming ASMR helps improve sleep!
The term ASMR was first coined in 2010 by Jennifer Allen, who created a Facebook group to discuss this peculiar sensation. Since then, ASMR has grown into a massive online community, with millions of people actively seeking out ASMR videos to induce these tingling sensations and promote relaxation.
ASMR first rose to fame on YouTube, where some ASMRtists gained millions of subscribers. Since then, however, its reach has expanded beyond YouTube and reached other platforms as well. Researchers have taken notice of ASMR, with preliminary studies suggesting it activates parts of our brain similar to when some individuals experience pleasure when viewing something visually stimulating.
Although no single explanation can be offered to explain ASMR, scientists believe its causes lie within the brain’s reward system. While ASMR fans often find themselves mesmerized by videos and attracted by online communities offering support and belonging, many ASMRtists will never meet offline and may never know each other by name.
What Is Involved?
There are various triggers of ASMR, but some of the most popular include soft voice and smooth hand movements. Some people report experiencing pleasant tingling sensations that start at the head/neck area and move down their spine. These sensations may feel similar to shivers or gentle buzzing and bring peace and serenity. The experience usually leaves users feeling relaxed and at peace with themselves and life in general.
ASMR may seem like an odd fringe phenomenon, but it has recently garnered scientific interest. Multiple studies have been done to understand what happens in the brain when ASMR occurs, and specific regions become active, as we change how we perceive reality.
ASMR has also been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality and ease pain. The sensation of relaxation may be caused by hormones such as dopamine and oxytocin being released. Some researchers have even used MRI scanners to visualize its physical effects on the brain.
ASMR may not be for everyone. Some may actually find it disconcerting or irritating. Videos which elicit ASMR in others can prompt an unsettling fight-flight-freeze reaction in those with misophonia, an autoimmune condition in which people react very negatively to specific sounds.
Getting Started
As ASMR becomes more mainstream, many are diving in. Their goal is to produce videos that make viewers feel tingly, in hopes that it helps relieve stress and facilitate sleep. But it’s important to keep in mind that not everyone experiences ASMR in the same way. Some might find the videos relaxing while others may find them cringe-worthy or uncomfortable. Furthermore, quality recording equipment such as premium microphones, will ensure their creations have maximum impactful impact.
Begin your recording in a quiet room without distractions, using a directional mic and good quality preamp can help reduce background noise while also helping reduce distortion and improve sound clarity. Experiment with what sounds your microphone produces. Some mics respond to proximity effect by amplifying bass frequencies closer to its sensor, adding bass as you get closer.
Benefits
People who enjoy ASMR videos report it helps them unwind more quickly and sleep soundly, as well as reducing anxiety and chronic pain, though no conclusive research exists to support those claims.
ASMR triggers include whispered conversations, rustling papers or soft noises. Crisp noises like taping or scratching may cause brain tingles as well. Most popular ASMR YouTube videos include role-play scenarios like giving haircuts or performing medical examinations with soothing instructions from an artist, as their brushstrokes glide across your head in relaxing waves.
People report that ASMR can offer relief for symptoms like migraines and tension headaches (often brought on by stress-related tight muscles in the neck and head), while there has been limited research done into its efficacy for these purposes. Furthermore, anecdotal evidence also points towards ASMR helping sleep issues and anxiety reduction.
As with any remedy, ASMR cannot cure anxiety; rather it should only be used as a short-term coping strategy. You should avoid sources claiming medical or mental health cures. ASRM is not a replacement for competent professional guidance.
ASMR Eating
The primary focus of ASMR eating videos is on the sounds produced while eating various types of food. From the gentle crunch of chips to the slurping of noodles, every sound is amplified to create an immersive experience for the viewer.
The visuals in ASMR eating videos are equally important. Many creators pay attention to the presentation of the food, using high-quality cameras and close-up shots to enhance the viewer’s visual experience. From colorful fruits to aesthetically arranged sushi, these videos provide a feast for the eyes, making the whole experience even more enjoyable.
TikTok creators have also taken to this trend by creating “food ASMR” videos using ingredients like candied strawberries, sea grapes and raw honeycomb. These videos focus on subtleties such as the deliberate crunch of candied strawberries or satisfying crackle of crunchy sea grapes in their bowls.
ASMR Sleep
One of the most popular ASMR sleep triggers is whispering. Soft, gentle whispers are known to soothe the mind and lull it into a state of tranquility. Many ASMR artists create videos where they whisper affirmations, read bedtime stories, or simply engage in calming conversations. By listening to these whispers, viewers can feel a sense of comfort and security, often leading to a more peaceful sleep.
While ASMR sleep may not work for everyone, it has gained a significant following and has helped many individuals combat sleeplessness. It offers a natural and non-invasive alternative to traditional sleep aids, providing a unique way to relax and prepare for a good night’s sleep.
ASMR Mouth Sounds
ASMR mouth sounds involve various auditory stimuli created by the mouth, such as gentle lip smacking, chewing, and even soft whispers. This is another subset of the ASMR community, where the sounds are human vocal generations.
ASMR mouth sounds are not limited to mastication alone. Some creators utilize various props like chewing gum, candies, or even sipping drinks to generate a wider range of auditory triggers.
Boyfriend ASMR
Boyfriend ASMR aims to recreate a sense of intimacy and emotional support through auditory and visual stimuli. Listeners can immerse themselves in a virtual relationship, enjoying the comforting whispers, gentle touches, and loving affirmations that mimic the presence of a caring partner. This genre offers a safe space for relaxation, stress relief, and emotional well-being.
Many individuals find solace in the feeling of being cared for and loved, even if it’s through a virtual experience. The Boyfriend ASMR community offers a diverse range of content, catering to different preferences and needs. Some creators focus on roleplays, where they simulate scenarios such as cooking together, cuddling, or heartfelt conversations.
This subset of ASMR has gained a dedicated fan base due to its ability to fulfill emotional needs and provide a sense of companionship. For those who may be single or in long-distance relationships, this genre offers a comforting space to feel loved and cherished. The potential danger is allowing this fantasy to replace genuine human connections.
ASMR Mukbang
Mukbang, a Korean word combining “muk-ja” (meaning eating) and “bang-song” (meaning broadcast), is a popular trend that originated in South Korea. It involves individuals consuming large quantities of food while live-streaming or recording themselves. Mukbang gained immense popularity due to its ability to provide a sense of companionship to viewers who may be eating alone or seeking entertainment while enjoying a meal.
Combining these two concepts, ASMR Mukbang has emerged as a unique genre of content that aims to provide viewers with a satisfying and immersive culinary experience. ASMR Mukbang videos typically feature individuals enjoying a wide variety of foods, ranging from deliciously crunchy fried chicken to mouthwatering desserts.
The sounds produced while eating, such as chewing, slurping, and sipping, are amplified to enhance the ASMR experience. The Mukbang niche does well on its own, without ASMR enhancement. However, the process of eating on camera naturally leads to the development of content based on ASMR concepts and practices.
ASMR Tapping
ASMR tapping, as the name suggests, revolves around the act of tapping various objects to produce specific sounds that trigger ASMR experiences. The concept of ASMR tapping is rooted in the idea that certain sounds can create a tingling sensation that begins at the scalp and spreads throughout the body.
The beauty of ASMR tapping lies in its simplicity. Practitioners use a wide range of objects to create tapping sounds, such as wooden blocks, glass bottles, plastic containers, and even their own fingers. Each object produces a distinct sound, allowing viewers to find their preferred triggers based on personal preferences. Some people enjoy the crisp sound of tapping on glass, while others find comfort in the softer sound of tapping on fabric.
ASMR No Talking
ASMR no talking videos, as the name suggests, focus solely on creating a relaxing ambiance without any spoken words. These videos primarily rely on visual triggers, sound effects, and gentle movements to induce a sense of calmness and relaxation. By eliminating verbal communication, ASMRtists aim to create a space where viewers can fully immerse themselves in the soothing sounds and visuals.
ASMR Shorts
ASMR shorts are brief videos that aim to induce a state of deep relaxation and provide a momentary escape from the stresses of daily life. These videos typically feature a range of triggers, such as gentle whispers, soft spoken voices, tapping sounds, crinkling noises, and even role-plays, all designed to elicit a pleasant ASMR response. What makes ASMR shorts particularly appealing is their condensed format, allowing viewers to experience the soothing effects of ASMR within a shorter time frame.
These videos provide a ‘quick fix’ of the ASMR experience. They take less of a time committment than the standard videos ranging from 10 to 20 minutes. Another advantage of shorts is the ability to discover new genres or content creators. Shorts also allow creators to test new concepts with minimal time committment.
In conclusion, ASMR is a fascinating phenomenon that involves experiencing tingling sensations in response to specific audio or visual triggers. While the exact mechanisms behind ASMR are still being explored, its popularity has soared due to the internet and the ease of accessing ASMR content. Whether you are a curious beginner or an avid ASMR enthusiast, exploring the sensational world of ASMR can be a delightful and relaxing journey.
