In recent years, Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) has become quite popular
on social media sites like YouTube, Instagram, and many others. In ASMR, a tingling sensation
starts with the scalp and moves toward the upper spine and back of the neck. Specific videos
and audio also stimulate ASMR. Because of the high interest of people, ASMR became a
fascinating scientific interest topic as well.
ASMR Sensations
A relaxation stimulus is known as ASMR. It is usually produced with a light tapping or scratching sound. Sometimes, it is a requirement of one’s thought process or visual clues, such as hand gestures. ASMR is used to induce sleep and reduce stress.
Jennifer Allen coined the term ASMR in 2010 to encourage further research and investigation
into the phenomenon. Since then, ASMR has become more popular, and many social media
creators make videos that tingle their followers.
The Science Behind ASMR
Even though ASMR is very popular, scientific research is ongoing, and they need to gain
extreme knowledge about it. A number of research or investigations of ASMR are going on to
provide detailed data about ASMR, including its benefits or advantages:
Neurological basis:
Many neurologists have linked ASMR directly to the brain. MRI of people with ASMR shows the activation of various regions of the brain, like the medial prefrontal cortex and the nucleus accumbens, which are responsible for emotional arousal.
Psychological Impact: According to cycle psychologists, ASMR reduces the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and
depression. The smooth audio of ASMR may lower the heart rate and take the person into a
relaxed state.
Sleep Aid:
Those people who have insomnia and other sleeping disorders may use ASMR for sleep
induction.
Criticisms and Challenges
Although ASMR is very popular, it is also full of criticism. Some people still don’t believe in its
claimed benefits and think it’s a trend or nonsense. Although the experience of ASMR varies
from person to person, not everyone feels a tingling sensation that gives them relaxation.
Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is an exciting combination of digital culture,
psychology, and sensory perception. There is a lot to explore about ASMR and its effect on
different individuals. ASMR has a distinct place in people’s hearts using as entertainment videos to stress relaxation or stress reduction.
