ASMR is often characterized as tingling that you can feel in your head, neck, back and more. However, it is different from goosebumps and chills.
You can very easily distinguish between the euphoric feeling from ASMR tingles and the chills you get from an unpleasant noise, such as nails scrathing against a chalkboard (even the thought makes me squirm!)
Sometimes ASMR can just give you a very calming and comforting feeling.
ASMR In Real Life
ASMR can be experienced in real-life situations. In fact, it has been around as long as humans, and only recently have we figured out how to systematically produce these sensations through audiovisual materials like YouTube videos.
Think about how you feel in these situations:
- When some is playing with your hair.
- Someone is telling a story or reading a book in a quiet and soothing voice.
- You are watching someone draw or doodle quietly.
- Someone is making a pleasant little noice like tapping their nails against something.
Do any of these situations ring any bells with the tingling sensation?
Many people who experience ASMR recognize these moments and feelings from early on in theirlife, such as in childhood.
Personally, I remember getting these feelings as a child in all of the above situations. The strongest one was having someone, like a parent or teacher, read a book out loud in a quiet voice.
Not Everyone Experiences Tingles
It is estimated that around 20% of people experience autonomous sensory meridian response sensations, or “tingles” as the ASMR community likes to call it.
If you don’t recognize the feeling I described, the chances are that you are among the majority of people who never experience ASMR tingles.
On the other hand, you might not have found the right type of ASMR that works for you.
I encourage you to explore different ASMR videos that feature various sounds or visual triggers.
ASMR Can Be Annoying
ASMR, or the different triggers, can be annoying.
If listening to someone whisper on a YouTube video is your idea of a terrible time, you are not alone.
Even people who love ASMR might hate some common ASMR triggers.
Take myself as an example: I love whispering and tapping sounds, but I absolutely despise intense mouth sounds and eating sounds. While someone else loves them, as they are among the most searched for ASMR triggers.
You Do You!
You can still enjoy ASMR videos even if you don’t experience the tingles.
ASMR videos are great at lowering your stress levels and heart rate, and at helping you fall asleep.
Some ASMR videos are also quite entertaining or educational, and ASMR fans are generally quite nice and supportive people.
I could think of worse ways to spend your time online!