ASMR, or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, is a type of sensory stimulus, and is often described as a tingling sensation that helps (or at least is supposed to) you relax! The concept of ASMR content on social media is fairly recent, and the contrasting reactions to ASMR is very evident.
Personally speaking, my initial exposure to ASMR was not pleasant, as I found the sounds very tedious and unnecessary. However, I have quickly fell in for the art of ASMR and wanted to share 5 facts that you most likely didn’t know about ASMR.
- Another name for ASMR is “brain massage”
Before the term “autonomous sensory meridian response” had been officially stated by a woman named Jennifer Allen, who started a Facebook page called ASMR Group, the strange sensation of ASMR had been known to be a “brain massage”. It is commonly compared to a treatment for any other part of your body, such as a tight muscle, but for your brain!
2. Although ASMR may seem like a strange Youtube content, it may have potential health benefits!
It is currently only known to relieve and relax the brain, but early studies show that it actually alleviates stress, insomnia, and depression. It is becoming an encouraged way of dealing with stress, especially for college students as well as employees.
3. Different voices and sounds have different effects
With the various types of ASMR present, not every person will be triggered by all of them. Therefore, whether it is by choice or instinct, everyone is more attracted to one type of ASMR over another. This can vary on the tone of the contents creator, the type of sound or even the visual that follows the sounds. For example, some people feel more comfortable and relieved when they watch the video of, let’s say soap cutting, while hearing the sounds.
4. White Noises can also be calming
Although ASMR is often thought of quiet, soft sounds, there are contents of loud noises such as vacuuming, lawn mowing, drilling, etc. This can be more soothing for some, as the overlap of multiple frequencies trigger their minds to settle down.
5. Bob Ross is the (accidental) origin of ASMR
It is not known to many that Bob Ross, the host of The Joy of Painting, is the O.G. ASMR star. Although the actual concept and term of ‘ASMR’ was created after his death, his soothing voice, calm movements and harmonious brushstrokes as he painted his “happy little trees” has lured many into his videos.