Definition: ASMR, which is “Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response” is a pleasurable tingling sensation that typically begins on the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and spine. It can also be felt in the limbs. ASMR is triggered by a variety of stimuli, including soft sounds, whispery voices, gentle touch, and repetitive movements. So, people describe ASMR as a feeling of deep relaxation and calm. Others say that it helps them to focus and concentrate. ASMR has also been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and improve sleep quality.
According to a 2020 study by Langford, there are approx. 11 million searches on YouTube every month for ASMR. This suggests that at least 11 million people are watching ASMR videos on YouTube every month. However, it is likely that the actual number of people watching ASMR videos is much higher, as ASMR videos are also available on other platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Tingles.
Currently, ASMR is becoming increasingly popular, so the number of people watching ASMR videos is likely to be increasing over time. For example, a 2023 report by The Economic Times found that the number of users from India on the ASMR app Tingles is increasing monthly. By the way, it is difficult to say exactly how many people watch ASMR videos on YouTube every month. However, it is clear that ASMR is a popular and growing trend, and millions of people around the world are watching ASMR videos on a regular basis.
The Short History Of ASMR
As early as the early 1900s, people began to report experiencing a tingling sensation on their scalp and neck in reaction to specific stimuli like whispering, tapping, or gentle brushing. This is when the history of ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian reaction) can be found. The word "ASMR" wasn't coined until 2010, and people didn't start talking about their ASMR experiences online until 2007.
Jennifer Allen, a member of an online community for those who have felt the tingling, invented the name "ASMR." She defined the event as a "full-body response" that was frequently set off by "soft sounds, close personal attention, or a feeling of being," using the phrases "autonomous," "sensory," "meridian," and "response" to describe it.
Soon after Allen first used the word "ASMR," individuals started creating movies and podcasts that were explicitly intended to cause ASMR in viewers. These podcasts and videos frequently include role-playing exercises and subtle sounds like whispering, tapping, crinkling, and other similar noises.
Online, ASMR gained traction quickly, and by 2016, YouTube and other sites had amassed millions of ASMR recordings. People all over the world now experience ASMR, which is frequently used to promote relaxation, sleep, and stress reduction.
Here is a timeline of key progress in the history of ASMR:
2007: People begin to talk about their experiences of ASMR on online forums.
2010: Jennifer Allen invented the term "Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response" (ASMR).
2011: The subreddit r/ASMR is created.
2012: The first ASMR conference is held.
2013: ASMR videos begin to go mainstream on YouTube.
2014: The first ASMR app is released.
2015: ASMR is featured in several major media outlets, including The New York Times and The Guardian.
2016: ASMR videos begin to be used by businesses and organizations for relaxation and stress relief.
2017: ASMR research begins to gain momentum, with several studies published on the topic.
2018: ASMR podcasts become popular.
2019: ASMR videos are used in clinical settings to help patients with anxiety, depression, and pain.
2020: ASMR videos experience a surge in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021: ASMR videos are becoming increasingly diverse, with creators from all over the world and with a variety of different backgrounds.
2022: ASMR is now a global phenomenon, with millions of people enjoying ASMR videos and podcasts on a regular basis on YouTube and ASMR App.
Is There any Medical Benefits of ASMR? Is ASMR Medically Proven?
Even though its increasing global popularity on Online Platforms, so many people have raised some genuine questions about it; including, if it has any medical benefits and what do medical professionals think about it. Is it good for mental health?
The answer will be, “Yes”! while people like us, ASMR is body relaxing feelings but for scientists it is a subject to study how human brain reacts to a particular stimulus. According to a study conducted in 2018, researcher invited some individuals to watch ASMR videos online and recorded their physiological response to the stimuli. That research has shown two different results. Some experienced deep feelings of relaxation from ASMR videos, while others didn’t. However, the group who experienced ASMR, their heartbeat rates decreased and their focused increased. Scientist have also observed the internal brain activity during ASMR. A group of expert based on Dartmouth College used MRI Technology to capture brain activity image when a person watch triggering ASMR videos. Results shown that the medial prefrontal cortex is activated. This part of the brain is responsible for self-awareness, social information processing and social behaviors. Additionally, regions of the brain linked to reward and emotional arousal were active. The researchers hypothesize that this pattern demonstrates how ASMR imitates the benefits of interpersonal connection and involvement. They completely make sense if you've ever seen a video of monkeys grooming one another! Watch the monkey's face while it is being groomed; you can see they are enjoying it. Having another monkey remove the ticks from your back must be so pleasant, don't you think? You might even get warm tingles going down your back!
What Are the Benefits of Watching ASMR Videos?
There are some scientifically proven benefits of watching ASMR videos. Here are some:
Intense pleasure: For people who experience the ASMR shivers and tingles, it can be a very pleasurable and relaxing feeling that happens almost immediately with exposure to the stimuli.
Improved mood: An early study revealed that 80 percent of participants had improved mood after exposure to ASMR. The benefits declined faster in people with higher levels of depression.
Pain relief: The same Source showed that a portion of people who deal with chronic pain found relief that lasted for up to 3 hours after exposure.
Increased concentration: A “flow state” refers to when you lose yourself or your sense of time because you’re so deeply concentrated on something. Researchers have found similarities between ASMR and the type of focus you’d experience in flow.
Better sleep: Early research has shown that ASMR may help get you and your brain into the right state for deep, healthy sleep by promoting relaxation and theta brainwaves.
Other benefits: People who enjoy ASMR often report reduced anxiety, fewer headaches, lower blood pressure, and more. While these are in line with what has been proven, more research is needed to back up these claims.
[All above research and study data have been collected from well-known National Library Of Medicine website.]
However, not everyone benefits from or appreciates ASMR. In fact, some people report feeling stressed and even depressed when exposed to certain stimuli. Some people exhibit no emotion at all. While not hazardous, some people claim that "ASMR immunity" develops after watching too many films. This indicates that they are no longer producing that tingling feeling since they have grown acclimated to the stimulus.
Here are some of my favorite ASMR YouTube Channel You can give a try: 1) Gibi ASMR 2) Gentle Whispering 3) ASMR Glow 4) WhispersRed 5) ASMR PPOMO 6) Ozley ASMR 7) Jojo’s ASMR 8) MassageASMR 9) ASMR Bakery
Conclusion
ASMR is a new phenomenon for our world. While increasing online consumers every day, Researchers and Scientist are still studying on this particular subject and trying to understand psycho-physiological effects on human. Overall, ASMR have shown some really good results to reduce down heart beats, anxiety and dealing sleep disorders. You can enjoy ASMR videos, as long as it serves you good. God Bless!