Abstract
The autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is an atypical sensory phenomenon involving electrostatic-like tingling sensations in response to certain sensory, primarily audio-visual, stimuli. The current study used an online questionnaire, completed by 130 people who self-reported experiencing ASMR. We aimed to extend preliminary investigations into the experience, and establish key multisensory factors contributing to the successful induction of ASMR through online media. Aspects such as timing and trigger load, atmosphere, and characteristics of ASMR content, ideal spatial distance from various types of stimuli, visual characteristics, context and use of ASMR triggers, and audio preferences are explored. Lower-pitched, complex sounds were found to be especially effective triggers, as were slow-paced, detail-focused videos. Conversely, background music inhibited the sensation for many respondents. These results will help in designing media for ASMR induction.
Highlights
The autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a sensory phenomenon typically characterised by electrostatic-like tingling across the scalp, following the line of the spine downwards, extending to the arms and further depending on the intensity of the response (Barratt & Davis, 2015)
Timing and trigger load Participants (N = 127) most often reported that their favourite online ASMR content focused on particular triggers lasting for between 1 and 5 min (38%), or 6–10 min (30%)
This study included some questions to probe whether or not participants identified their favourite ASMR content as having flow-like qualities which may aid the induction of such a state, and whether or not these qualities were universally required in order for content to be effective
Summary
The autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a sensory phenomenon typically characterised by electrostatic-like tingling across the scalp, following the line of the spine downwards, extending to the arms and further depending on the intensity of the response (Barratt & Davis, 2015). These tingling sensations can be elicited in response to a number of auditory and visual triggers. As ASMR can be induced in a number of ways, both in everyday life and through the consumption of specific media, this community currently resides mainly on the video sharing website Youtube. Many of the most popular ASMR videos include interpersonal triggers such as whispering and personal
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