Do you remember watching those Bob Ross Joy of Painting shows on your local PBS station, that would put you into a state of relaxation and calmness? Well, you are not alone, and there is now a name for it: ASMR or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, which is: a euphoric experience characterized by a static-like or tingling sensation on the skin that typically begins on the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and upper spine, precipitating relaxation.
“Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) signifies the subjective experience of ‘low-grade euphoria’ characterized by ‘a combination of positive feelings, relaxation, and a distinct static-like tingling sensation on the skin’.”
Videos, and whole Channels on YouTube and other services are dedicated to ASMR videos, that generally contain some of the following aspects:
- Soft, soothing voices
- Whispering very close to a microphone, or your ear
- Even, measured speaking tones
- Foreign accents
- Mouth noises like lip smacking
- Close personal attention, like haircuts, massages, or makeovers
- Handiwork and expertise
- Rustling sounds
- White noise
What that means in the culture of the web and social media, are videos that involve a somber, or whispering voice engaging in a mundane or calming activity that leaves the user with a specific sensation that can even lead to sleep.
Relaxing and Soothing ASMR Videos: