Indeed, despite ASMR’s growing popularity, there have only been three peer-reviewed studies of the phenomenon, and the main focus has been on social studies. Richard created ASMR University to “help gather and share what is known about ASMR, and also to inspire others to expand the understanding of ASMR through research and publications.” He is the founder of the ASMR University website, and host of the ASMR University Podcast. Why would listening to a whispering voice or watching someone fold towels cause a tingly feeling? Why do only some people feel relaxed when they hear or see triggers?Ĭraig Richard, a professor in the Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences at Virginia’s Shenandoah University, also asks these questions. However, as a neuroscience graduate student, I was curious about what’s going on in my brain when I get ASMR. In spite of its admittedly weird nature, I appreciate how my ASMR helps me unwind from the stresses of graduate school.
Of course, as with most things on the Internet, some ASMR videos can get very strange. Still others focus on guided meditation, positive affirmations and anxiety relief, which are relaxing even for those who don’t experience ASMR. Others feature first-person views of elaborate role-plays, such as cranial nerve exams, applying makeup, or ear cleaning (a personal favorite). Many focus on simple, relaxing sounds, or ramble in a soft whisper to the viewer. ASMR channels are curated by “ASMRtists,” who produce videos designed to induce tingles. Common triggers for ASMR tingles include tapping sounds, hair brushing, massage, whispering and more.ĪSMR has a large online presence, particularly on YouTube-a search of “ASMR” yields 5.1 million results. ASMR enthusiasts call these sensations “tingles,” or “brain bubbles,” since they are mostly felt in the head and down the spine, and produce a sense of deep relaxation. “Hi, I’m Deirdre, and I have ASMR.” What is it-and why is my brain tingling?ĪSMR, short for autonomous sensory meridian response, is a pleasant feeling caused by certain auditory or sensory stimuli. That’s how I discovered that I had ASMR.ĪSMR? It sounds like some horrible affliction-an acronym for a weird, one-in-100 million condition. Curious, I watched some of Bob’s YouTube videos, and sure enough, his soothing voice, brushing and tapping sounds, and calm, deliberate actions had me nearly falling asleep.īy some happy little accident, I noticed a “recommended” video in the YouTube side bar called “ Oh, such a good 3-D ASMR video.” I immediately felt relaxed upon hearing the sounds in the video, and even felt a small “tingle” in my head.
In fact, I realized it was the same calming feeling I got when watching, of all things, Bob Ross’ “ Joy of Painting” videos.
It featured (somewhat silly) barbershop sounds recorded with a special microphone that made the sounds appear as if in 3-D, to demonstrate how the brain localizes sounds.Īlthough it was meant to be funny and a bit of a gag video, I noticed that some of the 3-D sounds actually relaxed me. A few years ago, I watched a YouTube video called “ Virtual Barbershop.” It was one of those viral videos that attempted to be somewhat educational.
0 kommentar(er)
