People playing with slime, devouring corn, cutting soap. Whispers barely understood, nails tapping against glass, gifts in the process of being wrapped. Millions of hits on YouTube and Instagram, streams of entire hours on Twitch, and a faithful audience that always comes back for more. ASMR has come to stay, and the underlying questions don't change: What is it? How does it work? The folks at Wired decided to talk to an expert and even for the scientific community, understanding the "brain orgasm" of ASMR is a work in progress…
One of the first things we learn about ASMR is its wide spectrum of reactions and sensations. Some people use it to sleep. Others insist that it completely relaxes them. At the same time, the truth is that it doesn't work for everyone. One of the most conflicting examples is watching someone eat. Fans swear by the power of seeing and hearing their favorite YouTuber devouring corn by the microphone, while on the other side they call it disgusting.
What do scientists say? What are the advances regarding ASMR? The folks at Wired contacted Dr. Nick Davis, psychologist and neuroscientist at Manchester Metropolitan University, who shared during an interview the general situation of ASMR, along with several basic concepts:
ASMR: Brain orgasm or simple fad?
As we already mentioned, ASMR is an abbreviation for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. Dr. Davis explains that it is "autonomous" because it affects ourselves, "sensory" because it doesn't require any specific action or physical movement, and "meridian response" is a euphemism for "orgasm", or in this case, "brain orgasm". Still, those who experience it insist that ASMR has no sexual value but rather consider it a category of personal attention, very, very close.
Among the physiological responses of ASMR, a reduced heart rate and changes in electrodermal activity stand out. However, the trigger for these responses is presumed to be a specific psychological state compatible with calm or comfort. Dr. Davis believes that ASMR is a "universal sensation" (and not something recent or "post-YouTube"), known over time with different terms and expressions.
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The psychologist admits it would be a unique opportunity to study someone enjoying ASMR with an MRI device to record their brain activity, but the required conditions are not compatible with a state of "relaxation" (MRI machines are noisy and claustrophobic for many patients).
He also describes ASMR as a "multisensory experience". Sound is one of the most important factors, but the visual component is not far behind. The use of fingers, the speed of movements, pressure, color, and apparent texture of manipulated objects all contribute to the overall experience. This is especially true in videos with slime, mucus, and other similar substances.
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Now, what are the most common things that "trigger" ASMR? Dr. Davis indicates that the vast majority of triggers are idiosyncratic (specific to the individual), but if there is one that stands out above the rest for its universal profile, it's whispering. Finally, the neuroscientist highlights a certain relationship between ASMR and the classic security of the maternal bond, which extends beyond mammals. In short... scientists have their hands full and need much more information. What is your ASMR experience? Does it do anything to you or not? Leave a comment!
