Do you get a weird, tingly sensation when hearing certain noises?
If so, you’re experiencing Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. Better known as ASMR.
ASMR gained popularity on YouTube in 2010, and now racks up millions of video views. There are even “ASMRtists”. People who make a living recording their soft voices.
Scientists are trying to determine why we get tingly sensations from soft sounds. It has to do with our evolutionary history.
As Neanderthals, we used to groom each other for a sense of intimacy. Researchers suggest that we get that same personal feeling from ASMR.
With ASMR, people are physically “feeling” the sounds. A form of synesthesia, where we interpret things with more that one of our senses.
Other theories link the sensation to how your parents would speak to you as a child.
Some people hear the soft, intimate voices and get a euphoric feeling. ASMR has been used to help with anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
If you like to listen to ASMR, don’t feel weird. Just remember to wear headphones.
