Know Your Meme. (2024). Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR). Retrieved from https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/cultures/autonomous-sensory-meridian-response-asmr

This is an article from Know Your Meme which provides an overview of ASMR’s cultural history, tracing its rise from niche internet phenomenon to mainstream relaxation tool. It explores how ASMR evolved, from early whisper videos on YouTube to more elaborate role-play experiences. The page also highlights key moments in ASMR’s internet presence, including its association with memes and parody content. This source is useful in understanding how ASMR has been perceived online—sometimes as a legitimate therapeutic tool, other times as an object of humor and skepticism. While not an academic source, it offers insight into how ASMR has been culturally framed, which complements my thesis by illustrating the broader discourse around ASMR role-play videos and their reception in digital spaces.

Garro, D. (2017). Autonomous Meridian Sensory Response – From internet subculture to audiovisual therapy. Proceedings of EVA London 2017, 79. https://doi.org/10.14236/ewic/EVA2017.79

This is a research article discussing how ASMR started as an Internet subculture, then later became an avenue for creativity. It compares ASMRtists’ work with that of Musique Concréte, or music composition composed of recorded sounds to prove its argument. This topic is significant because it touches upon the rise of ASMR alongside the evolution of the Internet, and is a unique academic article that addresses the creativity involved in ASMR. Our project looks at how ASMR grew as the capabilities of technology and digital media grew (i.e. ASMR became increasingly creative), and this article supplements our argument.

Scullin, M. K. (2018, September 6). What is ASMR, and why are people watching these videos? Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleepless-in-america/201809/what-is-asmr-and-why-are-people-watching-these-videos

This is an article from a psychology magazine that discusses the psychological bases behind ASMR (the personalities of those who consume it, reasons why people listen to ASMR, etc.). It cites multiple psychology studies. This source is significant because it gives a broad overview of ASMR from a scientific perspective—who listens to it, why people may experience tingles when they listen to ASMR, etc. It translates multiple psychology studies in a digestible way for the public to read—for our project, this article could be a useful resource to discuss the scientific basis behind ASMR and to pull research articles from.

Shimokura, R. (2022). Sound quality factors inducing the autonomous sensory meridian response. Audiology Research, 12(5), 574–584. https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres12050056

Shimokura’s study investigates the acoustic characteristics of ASMR audio triggers using a quantitative approach. The research explores how different sound parameters (such as loudness, roughness, and interaural cross-correlation) affect ASMR responses. The study involved 26 participants who rated 20 different ASMR audio samples, including human-generated sounds (e.g., whispering, tapping) and nature-generated sounds (e.g., rain, waves). The findings reveal that human-generated sounds produce stronger ASMR responses than nature-based sounds, with perceived closeness to the sound source being a key factor in triggering ASMR sensations. This work is significant as it provides empirical evidence of the specific acoustic qualities that enhance ASMR’s effectiveness. I find the study valuable for my thesis because it scientifically supports the idea that ASMR role-play videos create an immersive, intimate auditory experience through carefully manipulated sound design.

Smith, N., & Snider, A. (2019). ASMR, affect, and digitally mediated intimacy. Emotion, Space and Society, 30, 41–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emospa.2018.11.002

Smith and Snider analyze ASMR’s role in fostering digitally mediated intimacy, focusing on how the sensory experience of ASMR can generate profound emotional connections. They examine different ASMR triggers (such as whispering, soft speech, and slow movements), arguing that these are carefully designed to elicit relaxation and a parasocial bond between the ASMRtist and the listener. The authors incorporate neuropsychological studies on ASMR’s physiological effects, including its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. This is important because it connects ASMR’s media-based intimacy to actual cognitive and emotional responses. I agree with their findings, particularly that ASMR can function as a form of self-soothing and even therapy. This source strengthens my thesis by providing empirical evidence of how ASMR role-play can cultivate a strong sense of presence and relational closeness.