ASMR is a term used to describe a physical reaction to sound and vision - involuntary tingling sensations that affect the skin in particular. It seems to be a more technical term for goose-bumps, but some will tell you there's more to it if studied on a deeper level. For some people, particular sounds or actions can cause involuntary tingling in the scalp, or shivers down the spine that are pleasant, close to unbearable, or even erotic in particular contexts.

Close-up and personal

Physical reaction to certain stimuli is nothing new. Advertisers and film directors already know how to make good use of this aural and visual phenomenon to spark involuntary reactions or emotions. As an experience in itself, ASMR tends to take things in a more personal direction and is often presented in the form of a remote, pseudo one-to-one relationship in video form with headphones to focus the sound. Close-up shots and language using the second person gives the idea that the camera represents you, and full attention is directed at what might please you, and only you.

Tingles or skin-crawl?

What actually triggers a reaction tends to differ from person to person, and some may not experience anything at all. Triggers typically include whispered voice, scratching, tapping, blowing, a subtle focus on repetitive activities or sounds, or some kind of physical touch - any of which may result in a comforting environment, a pleasurable experience, or even a mild euphoric rush. On the other hand, fingernails scraped over a blackboard, or fork prongs squeaking across a plate seem to trigger exactly the same sensations, but push the feelings and sensitivity to the edge of bearable, which for some become a negative ASMR reaction, or even triggers revulsion in the form of misophonia (a strong hatred of particular sounds).

To many, some of these so-called 'typical' triggers are likely to be extremely annoying and far from an enjoyable experience. The sound of someone eating or drinking nosily for example is probably considered rude and unbearable by most people - but apparently, to some, it's a pleasurable aural experience.

Psssst....want some ASMR?

Material created specifically to trigger particular ASMR reactions is available, including video and audio experiences to help with relaxation or sleep - some of which are obvious (the sound of rain for example), while others appear to be truly bizarre if you yourself cannot personally connect to the stimulus (such as hair brushing or excessive slurping noises).

These kind of concepts are inevitably open to various interpretations, and all kinds of people are trying to get in on the act of supplying stimulus via outlets such as YouTube - and, as always, the more extreme degrade into weird or sexual fantasy versions that have little to do with relaxation. However, ASMR seems to be a very real and personal aspect of life, and taking the time to explore it further can be a fascinating experience.

Information surrounding the science behind ASMR is thin on the ground, but Dr Nick Davis and Emma Barratt from the field of psychology did some initial research during 2015. The results are published and make interesting reading.

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Matt Sheen MMXX
mattsheen (at) webstar.tv

See playlist for references and shared by details

PLAY - ASMR Playlist

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