By Bea Payla
I’m sure many of you reading this article have encountered a peculiar sight whilst casually scrolling YouTube: a black background, a singular person, with a microphone placed directly in front. Maybe you even clicked on this video out of curiosity, only to find the individual incoherently and chaotically whispering into the microphone, tapping random objects and seemingly making a fool out of themselves.You look down at the description, bemused and bewildered, and find out that this video has one million views and thousands of likes.
You have most likely encountered this phenomenon of ASMR or more specifically ‘autonomous sensory meridian response’. It is the term used to describe a tingling sensation that people experience in the head or spine when listening to certain stimulating sounds. ASMR originated back in 2007 through an online forum of people sharing their experiences with sound, with Jennifer Allen popularizing the term later on YouTube in 2010. Nowadays, ASMR has emerged as a valuable tool for popularity itself, with celebrities such as Cardi B. and Chris Hemsworth delving into ASMR to use it as a promotional tool, enhance their brand image, and foster a deeper relationship with their audience.
ASMR has become an indispensable part of daily life for many, as it helps with falling asleep and relaxation. It stimulates the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin which encourages feelings of pleasure and reward. Like a good, accessible, and free head massage at the end of a tough day. Perhaps it is time for you to give ASMR a shot, and see if any of the 5.2 million ASMR videos on Youtube do anything for you!
