Don’t worry, you are definitely not alone in this!
I would argue that most people find ASMR annoying, as only a minority of people can experience ASMR sensations, “tingles“.
Even if someone doesn’t experience ASMR, they can still enjoy the content, but it’s not surprising that a lot of people dislike ASMR.
But there is more to the explanation.
People have different reactions to ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) because of the way their brains process sensory stimuli.
Here are some reasons why some might find it annoying.
- Sensory Sensitivity: Some people have heightened sensitivity to certain sounds. What might be a gentle, soothing sound to one person can be irritating or even unbearable to another. Sounds like whispering, tapping, or soft speaking, which are common in ASMR, can trigger discomfort in those with sensory sensitivities.
- Misophonia: This condition causes strong negative emotional reactions to specific sounds, often those that are repetitive or certain frequencies. For people with misophonia, ASMR sounds can be particularly aggravating, leading to anger or stress instead of relaxation.
- Uncomfortable Association: ASMR often involves close-up, intimate sounds that some might associate with invasions of personal space or discomfort. This can lead to feelings of unease rather than the intended calming effect.
- Cultural and Personal Preferences: Some people may find ASMR content awkward or unsettling due to personal or cultural norms. The content can be perceived as strange or overly intimate, making viewers uncomfortable rather than relaxed.
- Lack of the ASMR Effect: Not everyone experiences the tingling sensation that ASMR is supposed to trigger. Without this response, the sounds may just seem like ordinary, even irritating noises, rather than something pleasurable.
- Overstimulation: Some ASMR content can be overwhelming with its use of multiple sounds or intense focus on certain noises, which might cause stress or annoyance instead of relaxation.
These factors contribute to why ASMR, which is calming for some, can be annoying or even intolerable for others.
It’s good to remember that while you can’t enjoy or like everything, it’s polite to let other people enjoy those things.
Even if ASMR makes you furious, please be kind and let ASMR enthusiasts do their thing in peace.