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ASMR is not explained in one sentence: rustling paper, soft whispering, smacking – sounds play a major role. A hype has arisen around the phenomenon – YouTube videos are uploaded and clicked millions of times. We bring light into the darkness and tell you what ASMR is all about.
ASMR – the phenomenon explained
ASMR stands for “Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response” and describes a pleasant tingling sensation that spreads from the head through the neck and spine in the body.
- In the community, brain tingling is known as “tingle”.
- Triggers, called “triggers”, are usually noises. Often the visual stimuli associated with the sounds are also important for the ASMR effect.
- While there is also talk of a “brain orgasm” in connection with ASMR, there is no erotic connection according to the community.
- The goal of ASMR is to achieve a euphoric state that eventually leads to relaxation. People in the ASMR community report that the phenomenon works as a sleep aid for insomnia or as a remedy for panic attacks.
What are the triggers for ASMR?
Auditory and visual stimuli can trigger ASMR. The triggers are varied and their effectiveness depends on the individual. The same triggers do not trigger ASMR in everyone. The following forms of ASMR are common on YouTube:
- Whispering: A classic ASMR trigger is gentle storytelling in a whisper. The content can be anything from stories read aloud to speaking in different languages. The whispered voice does not necessarily have to be intelligible (“Inaudible Whispering”). Speaking softly in an imaginary language (“Unintelligible Whispering”) is also one of the typical ASMR triggers.
- Tapping and scratching: Making sounds with the fingers or fingernails is also common. To do this, ASMR-YouTubers scratch or tap on various materials, such as wood or fabric.
- Brushing: Many ASMR listeners find the sound of brushing hair relaxing.
- Ear blowing: YouTubers trigger ASMR here by blowing gently into the microphone.
- Mouth Sounds: Smacking, sounds made with the lip or tongue or eating sounds are often perceived as unpleasant. However, in the ASMR community, they help many people relax.
- Roleplays: Mostly YouTubers roleplay everyday situations, such as visits to the hairdresser or doctor. Besides the images, the focus is on the sounds. For example, ASMR-YouTubers emphasise the sound of cutting or brushing hair during a mock visit to the hairdresser’s.
- Massage: This form of ASMR role play is composed of the visual representation of a massage and the recording of the resulting sounds.
