ASMR–or autonomous sensory meridian response–is a popular internet sensation that many people around the globe love or hate. Video and audio recordings showcase the sounds of speech, eating, and the clicking of nails, among other things. Some people listen to the noises to relax and fall asleep, while others enjoy mimicking and making fun. Though ASMR was said to have started around 2010 on Facebook, the trend gained popularity in the summer of 2016.

The Love

Personally, I really like ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) because it can be pretty soothing and relaxing. I remember when I first heard about it I was kind of repulsed, as the concept of listening to people eat or ruin their makeup products seemed strange and unneeded. I think honestly I started listening to it as a joke– until I found one I really liked. Usually I only occasionally listen to it before I sleep, mostly scratching and whisper noises and such. I’m not alone in this hobby either as over 130,000 people report listening to some sort of ASMR at one point or another.

The whole idea of it is to produce a soothing environment for people when they are feeling anxious or just in need of calming. I have noticed, however, if this trance is not produced a person can become extremely grossed out. It is definitely hit or miss with people; they either love it or hate it. Another thing I don’t think people understand is the fact that different people have different triggers. I don’t prefer to listen to people eat, while others may find that sound relaxing. Everyone has their own taste in the sounds which is perfectly fine considering the wide variety of choices. I have seen almost anything turned into ASMR these days.

The Hate

One of the many things in life that I can not stand is ASMR. It makes my skin crawl just thinking about it. The very idea of listening to people crunch pickles, or listening to them whisper into a microphone just makes me want to vomit. Is there even a point to these videos? The answer is no. They are like prank videos. They are all fun and games until someone gets sick from it or of it. Quite frankly, I am just over this whole trend. 

According to Vox, ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response. Vox also says there is nothing scientific behind the obnoxious trend and as to why this is so dang appealing to people. ASMR isn’t a random type of video with people crunching pickles into microphones, it’s a feeling some people apparently get listening to it. I still don’t really get it.

Last year, I would go into one of my classes and there would almost always be an ASMR video playing and it would always make me feel extremely uncomfortable. I do not understand the point of these videos, nor will I ever. If you listen to these videos, don’t do it on the projector screen in class.