The fateful year was 2019. My mother’s in-laws were in town, so like the polite and perfect daughter I was, I offered my bedroom for their stay. So, relegated to my futon in a dark, windowless basement, I did what any social-phobic 16-year-old would do – I left my room completely at noon on a Saturday to avoid talking to my relatives. I was lying in the dark scrolling through YouTube. Suddenly, my life changed forever.
I found an ASMR video titled “”.Please let me repair it 🔧Home robot diagnosis RP” I was very intrigued and very interested. In her first few minutes, I was sucked in by the craftsmanship of the video, her soft soothing voice, and the countless lovely sounds happening in her ears. The next thing I knew, it was four hours later. It was the best sleep of my life.
From that day on, I started watching various ASMR videos every night to fall asleep. I always fell asleep within 10 minutes of turning on the video and slept deeply and peacefully all night. This was a big thing for me. I have always suffered from insomnia. There are too many things going on in my head at night. I couldn’t stop the constant rush of thoughts. ASMR was the only thing that was able to calm my mind and I still watch it every night to fall asleep.
What is ASMR? autonomous sensory meridian response. Refers to the tingling sensation associated with relaxation. In the ASMR community, this sensation is often referred to as “tingling.” However, not everyone watches ASMR videos for this feeling. People who watch ASMR use it to relax, fall asleep, or study. In fact, watching ASMR may temporarily make you feel better. symptoms of depression.
It’s been 5 years since I started watching ASMR, but I always did it secretly. My closest friends and family know about this, but I only recently started talking openly about it with people. I felt embarrassed watching ASMR. In part, it seemed embarrassing for me to admit that I needed such a strong crutch to fall asleep every night. But especially within the ASMR community, within the ASMR community; sensual ASMR. Although I absolutely support people who enjoy sexual content and the creators who create it, misunderstanding Now that I know that ASMR is a fetish, I’ve become more cautious about admitting to others that I enjoy it. I’ve noticed that, especially online, the conflation of all hedonistic experiences with sensual pleasures is used to ostracize communities that the public finds “weird” or “weird.”
But the truth is, most ASMR is completely healthy. In fact, this community is one of the few I’ve ever come across on the internet with an overwhelmingly kind and positive comment section. It took me a long time to feel comfortable liking what I like, but seeing this community on the internet makes me proud to be a part of it.
I totally understand why some people don’t like ASMR. Especially if you are really concerned about certain noises, Misophonia, ASMR can be hell for yourself. Despite being a seasoned ASMR watcher, there are still certain subsections of ASMR, such as: eat ASMR, that’s something I can’t appreciate. But I love whispers and taps and personal attention videos. And I truly believe there is something about his ASMR that everyone can enjoy.
If you actively hate ASMR but have read this article and become a little curious about the whole thing, here are some suggestions to help you easily enter the world of ASMR. They may startle you if you start whispering loudly in their ear. We recommend starting with soft-spoken creators who create a relaxed atmosphere and speak kindly to the camera. Some of my favorite soft-spoken creators include: Gibi ASMR and Good night, moon. If you don’t quite understand the sound yet and are tired of seeing pure “triggering” (chilling behavior), there are some great educational ASMR channels, including: ASMRctica and Let’s check it out.
Maybe one day I’ll be able to fall asleep on my own the moment my head hits the pillow. But until then, ASMR has brought me relaxation, joy, and a functional sleep schedule, so I’ll keep turning to it. But perhaps now we won’t be so ashamed to enjoy it.
Anna Fisher writes about women’s empowerment, literature, and the arts. She loves bagels.She writes to her at the following address [email protected].