Autonomous Meridian Sensory Response – From Internet Subculture to Audiovisual Therapy

Abstract

ASMR (Autonomous Sensory MeridianResponse) is the name given to a pleasant sensation that can be felt most commonly on the scalp and can be triggered by various gentle sounds (like whispers, crinkles or tapping), smooth and repetitive visual stimuli, personal attention (like the touch of a hairdresser or a masseur) or other events. ASMR is often associated with a general feeling of relaxation and peace. Whilst academic research on the sociological, artistic, sensory and cognitive dimensions is still in its infancy ASMR has grown into a worldwide, cross-disciplinary, inter-cultural, multi-lingual social media sensation. This paper outlines the rise of ASMR as Internet subculture from its inception as 'whispering community' on Internet platforms and blogs, to become a truly popular (i.e., made by the people) platform for creative expression, self-made holistic therapy and, in some instances, true artistic audiovisual endeavours. This paper comments on the reasons behind the rise of the ASMR community as a fertile ground for creative expression. Audiences' expectations are dictated by the attention-induced nature of the sensory experience, a factor that spawned an exceptionally perceptive viewership if one considers the inherently fragmented essence of ubiquitous streaming media and the impatient scanning and skipping modes of reception it encourages. 'ASMRtists' thus enjoy a privileged relationship with audiences who are not impressed with the relentless pour of energy and information from social media platforms and treasure, instead, the slow, the quiet, and the subtle.Examples from various ASMR content creators will be analysed from the compositional standpoint, highlighting technical and idiomatic similarities with forms of improvisatory practices and experimental artistic languages such as Musique Concrète. The paper will also illustrate recent audiovisual projects related to ASMR carried out at Keele University and will introduce the audience to planned developments towards ASMR related content delivered through mobile platforms.

Individuals Who Experience Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response Have Higher Levels of Sensory Suggestibility

“…Due to the almost euphoric feeling that the tingles elicit in the body, the ASMR phenomenon has also been dubbed as brain orgasm . Notably, there seems to be anecdotal evidence that ASMR helps relieve insomnia, depression, and feelings of anxiety (Barratt & Davis, 2015; Garro, 2017). Surprisingly, despite the significant and impressive online following, there are limited published scientific studies investigating ASMR as a scientific construct.…”

Leikitäänkö kampaajaa? Digitaalinen koskettaminen ASMR-roolileikkivideoissa

“…Barratt & Davis 2015). Roolileikkivideot voi nähdä voimaannuttavina sekä niiden katsojille että tekijöille, jotka omaksuvat roolihahmojensa kautta jonkinlaisen "terapeutin" roolin (Garro 2017). Roolileikkivideoiden tekijät osoittavat myös itse tiedostavansa, että heidän videoitaan katsotaan rentoutumistarkoituksissa.…”

“…Kommenttienkin perusteella tulee siis todennettua ASMR-videoiden -ilmiön oikeutuksen hakemiseksikin nimitetty -terapeuttinen ulottuvuus (esim. Barratt & Davis 2015;Garro 2017;vrt. Gallagher 2019;Waldron 2017).…”

“…ASMR-videoihin on todettu sisältyvän useita ulottuvuuksia mediavälitteisestä vuorovaikutuksesta ja taiteellisesta ilmaisusta hyvinvointiin (Garro 2017). Tässä artikkelissa olen tarkastellut ilmiötä leikkikulttuurin ja kehollisen kokemuksen viitekehyksessä.…”

“…Joitakin puhtaasti seksuaalisia videosisältöjä on myös tarkoituksellisen harhaanjohtavasti merkitty ASMR-aihetunnisteella(Garro 2017).…”