ASMR Genius

Sublime slime time

Maybe you’ve seen videos of people in recording studios whispering into professional microphones and simultaneously squeezing oozing slime? Or crinkling paper directly into a microphone? Plinking the tines of a hairbrush? Maybe these seem like sounds you would want to filter out of a recording.

Why are these videos so popular?

Actually, watching these videos may ease your mind, especially if you’re plagued with synthetic voices. Science has proven that this type of brain stimulation through your eyes and ears can change your mood and physiology. According to the National Library of Medicine, ASMR is more than a “feeling”. Yes, PubMed and biotechnology have come together to prove that autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) can actually reduce your heart rate and increase skin conductance levels. It also may have therapeutic benefits for mental and physical health.

What is ASMR? It’s that feeling that euphorically tingles from your the top of your head, down your spine, and through your body when you get a haircut, hear a pleasant whisper, or encounter fingernail tapping. These visual or audible stimuli are relaxing and calming to many. Just like playing with gooey slime.

“Aesthetic chills” or “brain tingles” caused by these cues can increase respiratory rate and depth. These anxiety-relieving sensations can even affect mood, similar to euphoria created by “music therapy.” Also, Trait-level differences have occurred in resting-state neuroimagery of brains experiencing these wacky chills. Research into ASMR is still developing, but here’s what is known about its impact on brain function and brainwaves:

1. Brainwave Activity

Studies using electroencephalography (EEG) suggest that ASMR can alter brainwave activity, particularly increasing theta waves (4-8 Hz), which are associated with relaxation, meditation, and light sleep. Some studies also indicate increased alpha waves (8-12 Hz), which are linked to calm focus and a state of wakeful rest. These brainwave changes are similar to those experienced during meditative or flow states.

2. Emotional Processing

ASMR appears to engage regions of the brain associated with emotional processing, such as the medial prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex. These areas are involved in emotional regulation and may contribute to the feelings of calm and relaxation reported by ASMR enthusiasts. These brain regions overlap with those activated during social bonding, suggesting ASMR might simulate comforting, caring touch.

3. Neurochemical Changes

ASMR may trigger the release of endorphins, oxytocin, and serotonin, which are neurotransmitters associated with pleasure, bonding, and stress reduction. This response is similar to what occurs during feelings of safety and comfort, like being in a nurturing environment.

4. Stress and Anxiety Reduction

Many people report that ASMR helps reduce stress and anxiety. Brain imaging studies, such as functional MRI (fMRI), have shown decreased activity in areas related to the default mode network (DMN) during ASMR, a brain system active during mind-wandering and negative self-referential thoughts. Reduced DMN activity suggests a shift away from stress or anxious thinking toward a more focused, relaxed state.

5. Parasympathetic Activation

ASMR may engage the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls rest and relaxation functions in the body. This activation can slow heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and promote a sense of calm by balancing the body’s response to stress (which is governed by the sympathetic nervous system).

6. Potential Therapeutic Applications

Some researchers have begun exploring ASMR as a potential therapeutic tool. Its calming effects on brain activity could have applications in treating anxiety disorders, insomnia, or even depression. However, more robust clinical research is needed to confirm its efficacy.

DARPA’s Interest in Brainwaves and ASMR-like Responses

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has shown significant interest in brain-computer interfaces, brainwave research, and technologies that can modulate neural activity. While ASMR itself isn’t a direct focus of DARPA’s work, their research into brainwave modulation and neurostimulation technologies could intersect with ASMR-like brain responses. DARPA’s initiatives, such as the N3 (Next-Generation Nonsurgical Neurotechnology) program, aim to non-invasively stimulate brain activity, which could theoretically tap into neural circuits similar to those affected by ASMR, exploring how sensory stimuli might enhance cognitive performance, focus, or stress reduction in soldiers.

Sources:

• Barratt, E. L., & Davis, N. J. (2015). Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR): A flow-like mental state. PeerJ, 3, e851.

• Smith, S. D., Katherine, S. A., et al. (2017). An examination of the default mode network in ASMR using fMRI. Frontiers in Psychology.

• Poerio, G. L., Blakey, E., Hostler, T. J., & Veltri, T. (2018). More than a feeling: Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is characterized by reliable changes in affect and physiology. PLOS ONE.

• DARPA: Next-Generation Nonsurgical Neurotechnology (N3). DARPA N3 Program.

ASMR recording with props for visual and audio responses.