ASMR is not THAT weird

Winding down for bed, I plug in my earphones, open TikTok on my phone, and search “safespaceasmr” — my favorite ASMR creator on the app. After I watch her newest video, I scroll through a couple more, falling asleep while listening to calming sounds like water droplets, tapping, whispering, and brushing against the microphone.

ASMR, or autonomous sensory meridian response, is the “pleasant tingling sensation that originates on the back of the scalp and often spreads to the neck and upper spine, that occurs in some people in response to a stimulus (such as a particular kind of sound or movement), and that tends to have a calming effect,” according to Merriam-Webster. It gained popularity in the 21st century, when social media like YouTube and — more recently — TikTok began to be widely used, providing a platform for ASMR creators, or “ASMRtists.”

When I first encountered ASMR videos, I thought they were weird; often, they had chewing sounds as the stimuli, called “triggers,” which made me feel uncomfortable, having the opposite effect of their intention. Last year, however, I encountered videos with tapping triggers, which I realized made me calm and sleepy. And, after the algorithm began showing me more types of ASMR videos, I realized how popular ASMR was in its own community.

In the category of tapping triggers, ASMR creators tap wood, nails, or other objects onto various surfaces to create sounds that are especially unique when they are created close to the microphone. Recently, though, my favorite has been personal attention ASMR videos, in which creators would pretend to apply makeup or provide a medical exam, combining different triggers like tapping, brushing, and whispering, and even some visual cues like light that help me wind down for bed.

This calming effect is not just placebo; research has shown that ASMR has benefits including improved mood, pain relief, deeper concentration, and better sleep. 

Many of my friends still find ASMR strange, not understanding its appeal, but for me, the ASMR community has proved how social media can serve as a platform for people to discover and connect through diverse interests. So, even if I did not pique your interest in ASMR, I would encourage you to take advantage of these valuable digital platforms to discover new interests and connect with others — and perhaps treat your insomnia.