What In The World Is ASMR And Why Do So Many People Love It?
What Exactly Is ASMR And Why Do So Many People Love It?
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There are over 5 million ASMR videos on YouTube, according to Think With Google. What might have seemed like a temporary trend, has become a booming industry and a pleasurable activity that’s likely here to stay.
So, what is ASMR? ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response. It’s the fancy word for an experience you’ve probably had many times. Most describe it as a tingly sensation that starts at the top of the head and moves down the back, creating a relaxing sensation comparable to a mild form of euphoria. You might have experienced it during childhood games, like the classic “spiders crawling up your back” where friends would perform light movements on your back and head. Somewhere along the line, online content creators realized people seek out this sensation so much that there was money to be made. And the world of ASMR content was born. Here’s a closer look at this popular trend and all it entails.
Different Types Of ASMR
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ASMR has become mostly associated with sounds, but it can actually include a visual element and even touch. One particular type of ASMR touch is called effleurage, which is described by Oxford Dictionary as “A form of massage involving a circular stroking movement made with the palm of the hand.” But, as far as the world of online ASMR content goes, the touch element will need to be self-provided.
What you can find online are audio and video files with some of the more popular ASMR sounds and images known to create that calming, tingling feeling. These are usually familiar, every day, neutral sounds and images. Some of the more popular audio sounds include:
- Scratching
- Blowing
- Page turning
- Whispering
- Crinkling
- Chewing
- Water drops
- A ticking clock
- Buzzing
- A motor humming
Visual ASMR is also popular. It might accompany audio files and it might not. Some popular ASMR images include:
- The mixing of paint
- Gentle hand movements
- The brushing of hair
- A mouth chewing
- Hair being cut
- Rain splashing on a surface
The key to ASMR – at least for relaxation – is that the sounds and visuals are neutral. They do not elicit any intense emotion such as excitement or fear, so they put the mind in a relaxed state.
The Benefits of ASMR
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The medical and psychology communities are not in total agreement on the real benefits of ASMR. However, plenty of research has been done on it. Like this study in PeerJ, which documented how various ASMR sounds impact a sense of relaxation and well-being. Here are some other alleged benefits of ASMR:
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved sleep
- Lowered heart rate
- Stress relief
Can ASMR Be Sexual?
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ASMR is not, in and of itself, sexual. However, it produces a sense of relaxation, along with something called “increased skin conductance response” (SCR). Put simply, SCR relates to one’s level of arousal in response to stimuli. So these two elements together can put someone in a state in which they’re more ready to become sexually aroused.
Taking The Leap To Audio Erotica
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While ASMR isn’t inherently erotic, creators in the erotic space saw a market there and a new type of X-rated (sort of) content has come about. In fact, erotic, female-focused platform Sssh.com has received increasing requests for erotic audio content, leading to a booming category called “whisper porn” along with erotic ASMR.
A representative from Sssh.com explains that whisper porn focuses on erotic stories with only the audio element. Meanwhile, erotic ASMR is more about certain sounds that can trigger arousal like mouth sounds and the whispering of “sweet nothings.”
There are a number of reasons people might prefer whisper porn and erotic ASMR to traditional adult videos, says the founder of Sssh.com. For starters, it’s ideal for those whose eyes get tired from staring at screens. But additionally, those who like to use their imagination appreciate that having only audio gets their wheels turning, but they fill in the rest of the details.
If you have been looking for a new way to unwind at the end of the day or to even get you in the mood for partner play or self-pleasure, it might be time to check out ASMR.
