Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, or Braingasms
The Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) Research & Support site defines the phenomenon as, "a physical sensation characterized by a pleasurable tingling that typically begins in the head and scalp, and often moves down the spine and through the limbs." Various stimuli can trigger the sensation -- certain kinds of sights, sounds, and situations. It's sometimes referred to as a "braingasm".
I'm not sure whether ASMR is considered to be a scientifically verified phenomenon. Nevertheless, there's a sizable community of people who actively seek the sensation, and they post videos on youtube designed to trigger it. That's why, if you wade deep enough into the depths of youtube, you'll eventually come across a whole slew of odd ASMR-trigger videos, such as this one of the sounds of gift wrapping
I believe that the whisper videos I posted about yesterday are related to this ASMR phenomenon -- because whispering can be an ASMR trigger. That is, most people simply find it annoying to have to strain to hear someone whispering, but there are a few who are getting a tingly, braingasm feeling from it.
I'm not sure whether ASMR is considered to be a scientifically verified phenomenon. Nevertheless, there's a sizable community of people who actively seek the sensation, and they post videos on youtube designed to trigger it. That's why, if you wade deep enough into the depths of youtube, you'll eventually come across a whole slew of odd ASMR-trigger videos, such as this one of the sounds of gift wrapping
I believe that the whisper videos I posted about yesterday are related to this ASMR phenomenon -- because whispering can be an ASMR trigger. That is, most people simply find it annoying to have to strain to hear someone whispering, but there are a few who are getting a tingly, braingasm feeling from it.
Comments
No braingasm. Maybe I was distracted by that lovely shade of green shag carpet.
Posted by Todd on 04/19/12 at 08:48 AM
The opposite, and far more common, effect by most videos on Utube produce a brainphart which is also not a scientifically proven phenomenon but has been experienced by more people.
BTW, I passed up the puke green shag and reminder of Xmases past as a professional gift wrapper.
BTW, I passed up the puke green shag and reminder of Xmases past as a professional gift wrapper.
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 04/19/12 at 10:02 AM
Strange or not, as long as people are getting thier buzz from anything other than drugs or alcohol, somebody is going to be against it.
Posted by Baughbe on 04/19/12 at 11:23 AM
But, beer makes you smarter! And that's a proven fact!
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 04/19/12 at 11:33 AM
We are two and a half weeks past April 1, correct? How can we be sure that this is not connected with "The Onion"?
Posted by KDP on 04/19/12 at 12:30 PM
I'm going to call my mother today and thank her for teaching me how to wrap presents... another of those skills you don't realize you have until you watch someone else do it.
Posted by Zach on 04/19/12 at 01:32 PM
I was thinking that too Zach, that she can't wrap worth a crap. It probably has something to do with focusing on a sound with no meaning and clearing the mind. Some kind of zen experience.
Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 04/19/12 at 09:52 PM
For years I've watched the home shopping channel's jewelry sales girls for just this reason and never heard it spoken of by anybody else before. Gift wrapping girl isn't great, but she definitely elicits a purrrr. 😊 Yay, I'm not alone.
Posted by Cindy on 04/20/12 at 12:49 AM
Wow there is a name for it. I never really thought much about it. But I know what they are talking about, however it is only triggered on my right side for some reason. Actually I have to sleep on that side sometimes because it has bothered me I don't always enjoy it though.
Posted by JILL on 04/24/12 at 07:56 AM
am i the only one who can get this feeling any time i want? i mean anytime!! i can be siting in my room alone and i can get it whenever i want it.is it normal?
Posted by jeeghe on 06/13/12 at 05:55 PM
No. Seek psychiatric help immediately.
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 06/13/12 at 10:54 PM
Loved the video. I kept expecting her to scream and storm out of the room, leaving handfuls of hair drifting gently to the carpet.
I expect the ASMR response comes form the high-pitched sounds. For me two sure triggers are a shovel on bare pavement and rubbing my fingertips over the tops of cheap hamburger buns, you know, the sandpapery ones?
I expect the ASMR response comes form the high-pitched sounds. For me two sure triggers are a shovel on bare pavement and rubbing my fingertips over the tops of cheap hamburger buns, you know, the sandpapery ones?
Posted by PhoneEAr on 06/27/12 at 03:52 AM
I used to be able to give a braingasm to a whole room full of people in about 1 second flat. All it takes is an old-fashioned chalkboard like schools used to have and fingernails.
Some people could get a braingasm just from the threat, or the memory!
Forget YouTube on this one, though. The sound never records right without a VERY expensive microphone. The high frequency end gets lost.
Some people could get a braingasm just from the threat, or the memory!
Forget YouTube on this one, though. The sound never records right without a VERY expensive microphone. The high frequency end gets lost.
Posted by tadchem on 11/24/12 at 06:10 PM
I can do the finger on slate but pull out an emery board or fingernail file and I'm like smoke in a hurricane!
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 11/24/12 at 10:57 PM
Thanks, I had never heard of the Kangaroo until now...
Posted by MrGamma on 03/09/13 at 02:59 AM
Oh you might like... http://www.asmrstudio.com/
Posted by MrGamma on 03/09/13 at 03:00 AM
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Category: Emotions | Subcultures | Psychology | Brain