HEALTH

Brushing. Scratching. Tapping. Whispering. Millions of people are blissing out (?!) and falling asleep to these videos, but what's the science behind it all? And should you zone out on YouTube to people applying makeup? We're taking a look at the world of ASMR videos, right now.

ASMR videos, short for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, can create a tingling sensation on the skin that typically begins on the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and upper spine. Some people get these feelings when they watch these clips, while others don't. 

A recent study found that those who have ASMR responses (a.k.a. feel chilled out when watching these videos) are calmer and have less stress and more excitement than those who don't. Another study discovered those that have ASMR responses had *slower heart rates* after watching the videos compared to people who can't experience the phenomenon. 

If you haven't checked them out, here's the rundown...
YouTubers film themselves doing gentle motions close to a microphone for as short as five minutes or as long as hours. Some even include roleplay where they’re cutting your hair or painting your nails. 

Still confused on what’s going on? Watch ASMR YouTuber ASMR Darling give you a "trigger test," where she whispers and taps on different items to see if you get a feeling. Curious? Pop in your headphones and give it a listen.

If you didn't really like the tapping, maybe you want to get your makeup done. Makeup Artist Promise Phan gives you a full glam look in her ASMR video. 

Who's hungry? Becky or Hungry Cakes on YouTube eats Chick-fil-A in this video. But warning: there’s a lot of chomping, so skip this if people eating bother you.

For those of you looking to fall asleep to these videos, try watching Sophie Michelle with her 10 *extra* powerful triggers.

Or are you totally weirded out? Try beauty guru Alexandra Beth, also known as AlexandrasGirlyTalks, as she shows her skincare routine in a less intense way compared to the other ones.

What did you think of these ASMR videos? Let us know in the comments!

by Kelly Zheng | 7/18/2018