What Is ASMR? What Does It Stand For?
Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, or ASMR, is a ‘tingling’ sensation felt in the scalp and in the back of the neck that incites relaxation in the listener. It’s often triggered by gentle stimuli, such as whispering, tapping, crinkling, and even physical touch like a haircut at a barber’s shop. However, these triggers vary from person to person.
The feeling of ASMR has always existed, but the concept itself had only just been recognized in 2007. It was recognized when a user by the name of okaywhatever51838 created a thread on an online health forum titled, “Weird Sensation Feels Good.” It was not until 2010 that the term ASMR was coined by a woman named Jennifer Allen (historian of modern Germany).
In the last few years, ASMR’s popularity has exploded across the internet. YouTube has become the main platform for ‘ASMRtists’ to share their craft and garner millions of subscribers in the process.
In these videos, viewers watch as people whisper into the mic, sometimes muttering nonsense. Other videos may present a person silently eating, playing with slime, tapping their table, brushing the mic, and more. These noises are often referred to as ‘triggers’ as they may trigger a tingling sensation.
Different Types Of ASMR Sounds
Whispering
Whispering is one of the most common ASMR triggers. Gentle whispering can result in feelings of calmness and relaxation; Some say that the simple sound, which involves someone whispering slowly into a microphone, can also help with sleep issues.
Blowing
Blowing sounds create a similar effect to whispering. Resembling a gentle wind, this popular ASMR trigger can send you off to a good night’s sleep.
Typing
Typing ASMR can either send you to sleep or assist with concentration. Often, different keyboards are used to create varying sounds. Acrylic nails can heighten the sensations.
Humming
For some, the sound of a person humming is an annoyance. For others, it acts like a nighttime lullaby. You’ll have to figure out which side of the fence you fall on.
Chewing
When it comes to chewing ASMR videos, you either love them or hate them. There’s some crossover between this trigger and the Korean concept of mukbang: an interactive eating experience where the eater films themselves consuming large quantities of food, and viewers respond. But eating ASMR focuses more on the sounds that emanate from someone’s mouth, whether that’s loud and crunchy or soft and slurpy.
Water drops
Whether it’s simple droplets or fizzing noises, the natural sound of water can be incredibly relaxing. In fact, according to the National Sleep Foundation, it can even improve sleep quality if you leave it on all night.
Ticking clock
The repetition of a ticking clock sounds rather natural to the brain. If you need some help sleeping or studying, this could be the ASMR trigger for you.
Cat purring
Cat purring is an oddly soothing sound. With the ability to relax and cause a nice shut-eye session, it’s one of the cutest ASMR triggers around.
Physical
Hair play
Having your hair played with is relaxing in real life, so it makes sense that watching and listening to it can provoke the same response. Hair play ASMR involves a number of tools, from fingers running through strands to the bristles of hair brushes.
Massage
Watching someone massage another person can result in the typical ASMR tingles — whether it’s a deep head massage or a back massage involving oil.
Situational
Certain words
Interestingly, some words can trigger a sleepy ASMR response. Words with the letters S, P, and K tend to be used (and whispered) due to the calming sounds they produce. But some words can remind you of a past memory, promoting positive feelings.
Role-play
Role-play ASMR involves putting yourself front and center in a typically relaxing scenario. Think hair salon or spa and you’re on the right track. However, some acts involve more niche environments, like a mock tattoo parlor or surgery. No matter which one you choose, they’re all designed to de-stress.
Eye contact
This ASMR trigger is all about long-lasting direct eye contact, giving viewers a sense of intimacy and companionship.
Visual
Hand movements
A lot of ASMR videos incorporate hand movements into another trigger like whispering. But the soft and gentle movement alone can relax and send you to sleep.
Color swatching
Soft sounds are what color swatching ASMR is all about. Beauty fans are sure to fall for this one with its makeup focus. The product reviews are just a bonus.
Light patterns
Although certain light sources are known to interfere with sleep, the relaxation that light ASMR promotes appears to block this effect. So, if you’re looking for a soundless way to de-stress at night, try watching a light-up video.
Why Do People Watch ASMR?
With access to mental health services being limited because of fees, stigma, or unavailability, it’s no wonder people are looking for free and alternative ways to better their mental health. Research has suggested that ASMR can reduce heart rates, produce feelings of relaxation, and temporary improvements in depression and chronic pain. In a time when people are experiencing more anxiety and mental illness, ASMR’s popularity online is indicative that people are searching for and finding alternatives
YouTube is filled with different types of ASMR videos performed by what the internet has dubbed “ASMRtists.” A study conducted by a team found that people subjected to ASMR experienced lower heart rates, a sign of relaxation, as well as increased skin conductance (the sweaty palms feeling associated with fear or excitement). The videos posted online are very therapeutic, relaxing individuals from a long day from work or school. Artists have used affirming and positive language to inspire greater self-worth and love, while roleplay has also become popular for the intimacy it evokes with viewers.
Stigma Surrounding ASMR
Despite its meteoric rise, ASMR has been bombarded by accusations that claim it’s a covert sexual fetish, a stigma that prompted YouTube to limit the ad placement on ASMR content. By watching some of the most-viewed videos, it’s easy to be cynical about their appeal; they are made largely by attractive young women, and triggers – soft whispering, most obviously – often simulate aspects of sexual intimacy.
The community insists there’s nothing intrinsically erotic about the phenomenon. Some of the triggers are undoubtedly intimate, but research suggests that it’s not a sexual experience and is not linked with sexual arousal. There’s substantial evidence for its efficacy as a form of physical and mental therapy.
Because of the stigma that surrounds ASMR, most ASMR Artists often face discrimination such as racism in their day-to-day life. Some individuals, especially black men/women and people from ethnic minorities (Jews, Hispanics) face the horror of negative slurs. This may also be because of the lack of diversity and inclusion in the community, which hinders some people from pursuing the art.
The world of ASMR, like most media spaces, is not an equal place. As S.E mith wrote for Bitch Media in 2017, ASMR is “very much a white woman’s world.” While videos of these artists may be the most viewed, BIPOC artists aren’t shying away from the scene. Even with the possibility of racist comments and harassment, they’re not backing down, using different forms of performance, and gaining large followings doing so.
These artists are not only helping to bring healing to their communities, they’re inspiring other BIPOC creators to start their own channels. Many Black artists are working together, challenging the white default as the face of ASMR. It’s up to us, consumers of ASMR, to choose our content consciously. There’s a big world of ASMR to dive into if you haven’t yet, and no matter what you’re looking for, these artists have you covered.
In What Ways Can We Reduce The Stigma?
Know the facts. Educate yourself about ASMR including the types of ASMR and who it caters to.
Be aware of your attitudes and behavior. Examine your own judgmental thinking, reinforced by upbringing and society.
Educate others. Pass on facts and positive attitudes; challenge myths and stereotypes.
Support people. Treat everyone with dignity and respect; offer support and encouragement to ASMR artists.
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Written by Althea Ocomen from Manila City, Philippines
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