User:Kyleshome/sandbox/asmr

Intro paragraph. This is where we will put a high-level description of ASMR.

Possible intro: Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a physical sensation characterized by a pleasurable tingling that typically begins in the head and scalp, and often moves down the spine and through the limbs.

Possible intro 2: Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a physical sensation characterized by a pleasurable tingling that typically begins in the head and scalp, and often moves down the spine and through the limbs. ASMR can be triggered by sounds like whispering or brushing or visual stimuli such as painting or drawing (see common triggers below). In the online community on YouTube, the phenomenon has inspired the creation of “whisperer” videos, in which people attempt to trigger the viewer’s ASMR by doing things such as speaking in a soft voice or making various sounds against objects such as tapping or scratching.

Origins
One of the first forum discussions about the phenomenon was started on the Steady Health Forums by member okaywhatever on October 19th, 2007. Titled “Weird Sensation Feels Good”, the thread described a strange itchy sensation triggered by several different social interactions. On June 4th, 2008, SteadyHealth member tingler replied to the thread, who referred to the phenomenon as “Attention Induced Head Orgasm” (AIHO) and claimed to have experienced it for as long as he could remember. In February of 2010, Jennifer Allen coined the term “Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response” when she started a Facebook group dedicated to the sensation.

A more in-depth ASMR history from 2007 to present day can be found here: The Unnamed Feeling: ASMR - Timeline

Section 1
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Sub-Heading: COMMON TRIGGERS

ASMR is a very subjective experience, however many common triggers are universal for people. Common triggers include human speech, specifically slow speech patterns, accents, soft-speaking voices or whispers. Other triggers can also involve sounds caused by the mouth such as lip smacking and eating, as well as watching people perform simple tasks or activities, brushing objects, painting and drawing. Instructional videos, where an instructor speaks slowly and deliberately, can also trigger ASMR in some people. These videos usually include the speaker offering close, personal attention to the viewer(e.g. an eye-exam, a make-over, a haircut, etc.) Does Bob Ross deserve his own mention?

Other abstract noises such as clicking, brushing, shaking of a matchbox, or white noise has been known to induce ASMR.

Binaural Recordings

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THEORIES
Although the scientific research on ASMR is still in early stages of development, there are several theories that have been offered by the online community such as those on YouTube. The theories are usually be classified as either medically or spiritually-related, however other theories exist that fit into neither category in black-and-white terms.

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SubHeading: Medical Theories

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One theory is known as the the evolutionary grooming response which states that primates are relaxed and trance-like when they are being groomed. This response would promote hygiene and social bonding within a group, therefore it would increase the chances of survival in such primates.

The theory, however, does not explain why ASMR is not a universally-experienced sensation if it is an evolutionary response. This theory also it only attempts to explain the sensations triggered by grooming, which in turn ignores all other ASMR triggers such as sounds or visual triggers.

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SubHeading: Spiritual Theories

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