ASMR: Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response

This was my college art teaching stock-in-trade. I further amped up the "low-grade euphoria" by suggesting caffeinated drinks and shameless flattery.

"'Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR)' is an experience characterized by a 'static-like or tingling sensation' on the skin that typically begins on the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and upper spine. It has been compared with 'auditory-tactile synesthesia.'

ASMR signifies the subjective experience of 'low-grade euphoria' characterized by 'a combination of positive feelings and a distinct static-like tingling sensation on the skin.' It is most commonly triggered by 'specific auditory or visual stimuli,' and less commonly by intentional attention control.

The subjective experience, sensation, and perceptual phenomenon now widely identified by the term 'Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response' is described by some of those susceptible to it as 'akin to a mild electrical current -- or the carbonated bubbles in a glass of champagne'.

Triggers

ASMR is usually precipitated by stimuli referred to as 'triggers'. ASMR triggers, which are most commonly auditory and visual, may be encountered through the interpersonal interactions of daily life. Additionally, ASMR is often triggered by exposure to specific audio and video. Such media may be specially made with the specific purpose of triggering ASMR or originally created for other purposes and later discovered to be effective as a trigger of the experience.

Stimuli that can trigger ASMR, as reported by those who experience it, include the following:

Listening to a softly spoken or whispering voice.

Listening to quiet, repetitive sounds resulting from someone engaging in a mundane task such as turning the pages of a book.

Watching somebody attentively execute a mundane task such as preparing food.

Loudly chewing, crunching, slurping or biting foods, drinks, or gum.

Receiving altruistic tender personal attention.

Initiating the stimulus through conscious manipulation without the need for external video or audio triggers.

Listening to a person explain a concept, describe an object or system.

Watching and listening to an audiovisual recording of a person performing or simulating the above actions and producing their consequent and accompanying sounds is sufficient to trigger ASMR for the majority of those who report susceptibility to the experience."