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ASMR, or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, is a unique condition that has emerged online in the last few years, characterized by this awesome tingling sensation along the scalp, neck, and shoulders when triggered by certain sounds.
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The most common triggers for ASMR are whispering and crisp sounds, such as tapping and crinkling.
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One defining characteristic though is that all of the sounds are made within close proximity of the listener.
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In fact, "close attention" is a recurring theme in ASMR videos, and role-playing is often used to accomplish that.
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Real ASMRtists also use binaural microphones to accomplish real interactive sounds that puts the listener in the room with them.
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Not everybody gets these sensations when listening to trigger sounds.
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And many of the symptoms are only anecdotally reported by members of the ASMR community.
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In fact, little to no scientific research has proven that ASMR actually exists.
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However, look on any of the popular ASMR video channels on YouTube to see that this phenomenon is very real.
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The most popular of these ASMR channels is of course GentleWhispering a.k.a. Maria who has accumulated over 173 million views since 2011.
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Autonomous, sensory, meridian, response.
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There's also Whisper Talk Studios, Heather Feather, Massage ASMR, Ephemeral Rift and ASMR Requests.
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In the one study that has been done about this topic, researchers found that participants mostly used ASMR videos as a source of relaxation and for dealing with stress.
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Some participants even admitted that ASMR helped to relieve depression.
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However, like I mentioned before, no real scientific research has been done on ASMR, so please don't go replacing your antidepressants with Heather Feather videos.
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Just look straight ahead please.
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So how do you know if you have ASMR?
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Well, you could pick up a nice set of binaural-friendly headphones and go over to one of those YouTube channels and see for yourself.
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Or maybe this can help...
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I have this pack of Sour Patch Kids if you'd like some.
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Here, let me, let me open this pack of Sour Patch Kids for you.
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I hope you have a very nice day, and that this has been very relaxing for you.