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The Brain Science (and Benefits) of ASMR | Craig Richard | TED

A curious, quiet revolution of sound has taken over the internet. Physiologist Craig Richard explains the soothing brain science of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR), tracking its rise in popularity and why this fascinating phenomenon is so relaxing to millions of people around the world. If you love watching TED Talks like this one, become…

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A curious, quiet revolution of sound has taken over the internet. Physiologist Craig Richard explains the soothing brain science of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR), tracking its rise in popularity and why this fascinating phenomenon is so relaxing to millions of people around the world.

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88 Comments

88 Comments

  1. Daniel Smock

    July 8, 2022 at 9:32 pm

    Your account is locked
    After careful review, we determined your account broke the Twitter Rules. Your account is temporarily in read-only mode, which means you can’t Tweet, Retweet, or Like content. Most accounts regain full access in a week, but it could take longer.

  2. Daniel Thomas

    July 8, 2022 at 9:38 pm

    asmr kinda makes me ticked off tbh – zero positive response and seems kinda creepy and leads to an opening of the mind where unhealthy things can be implanted

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    July 8, 2022 at 9:43 pm

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  4. Daniel Smock

    July 8, 2022 at 9:45 pm

    AlexTheDog
    @AlextheDog8

  5. Daniel Smock

    July 8, 2022 at 9:46 pm

    I read well, nevertheless,, ,Thank you, for the message :

  6. Daniel Smock

    July 8, 2022 at 9:48 pm

    be safe bee safe bee wjjk radio show , matters , not 4me moore u mmmi uzwm Line ———childs age _________—see hear roots

  7. Schwim Dandy

    July 8, 2022 at 9:49 pm

    I absolutely loathe ASMR and can’t get through a video of it. In fact, I had to stop this one at 11:47 because of it. I guess I’m an outlier.

    • Rob Lyn

      July 9, 2022 at 1:11 am

      I had to skip the whole ASMR demo because it make me feel nauseous.

  8. Daniel Smock

    July 8, 2022 at 9:50 pm

    PRIDE went OUT WHERE AROUND WHAT AGE HOW FAR AGO

  9. mizfrenchtwist

    July 8, 2022 at 9:59 pm

    hello , some of my first ASMR experience was someone whispering in my ear with cupped hands in elementary school . then it was julia child and joyce chen’s cooking shows in the 60s and bob ross painting , and i have been chasing the ” tingles ” ever since . i especially enjoy watching shoe shine men working and make up jobs being performed . BTW the examples you showed , does not do it for me……..great share , thank you , for sharing……….

  10. Vanilla

    July 8, 2022 at 10:02 pm

    ASMR Videos make me feel good and relaxing, especially when I’m not well

  11. domhamai

    July 8, 2022 at 10:10 pm

    When I was young, maybe 12/13, I was sitting in the back of the car. My mum was in the passenger seat and dad was driving.

    I asked mum, “mum do you ever get a big warm tingly sensation that washes over your whole body.”

    She looked at my dad for a moment then said, “not in a long time.”

    Last time I asked her about anything 🙈🙈🙈

  12. schm00b0

    July 8, 2022 at 10:14 pm

    I think that whatever gives people goosebumps has something to do with ASMR too. State of calm and deep relaxation seem essential though. As do the specific sounds.
    It is some kind of simulated association to situations in which we are usually deeply relaxed while someone gives us close personal attention.

  13. Roo The conqueror

    July 8, 2022 at 10:14 pm

    so many coughing people not good

  14. Sophia N

    July 8, 2022 at 10:27 pm

    I remember how I loved popping bubble wrap as a kid… would that be considered ASMR ?

  15. K

    July 8, 2022 at 10:31 pm

    I skip videos or mute them when they have asmr in the title. I don’t experience pleasure, but rather pain . White noise and repetitive noises are also disturbing to my brain.

  16. Gaasuba Meskhenet

    July 8, 2022 at 10:41 pm

    I always loved going to the dentist when i could afford it

  17. D. S.

    July 8, 2022 at 10:42 pm

    Somehow it is kind of irritating

  18. Ligia Sommers

    July 8, 2022 at 11:03 pm

    Fun and helpful 🤩🙏🏻❤️‍🩹✨🌹

  19. domhamai

    July 8, 2022 at 11:10 pm

    I am sure the term ASMR was coined before 2010 – I was exploring ASMR when I was a teenager at least as early as 2007.

  20. Toni

    July 8, 2022 at 11:11 pm

    Oh, I know exactly what you’re talking about.

  21. Mike Hess

    July 8, 2022 at 11:27 pm

    Dr. Pimple Popper also has a lot of subscribers. And her work relaxes people.

  22. Manual Mind

    July 8, 2022 at 11:56 pm

    Je is just Not authentic

  23. Carlos Juarez

    July 9, 2022 at 12:11 am

    When the b. O. b video dropping?

  24. Rob Lyn

    July 9, 2022 at 1:04 am

    ASMR makes me cringe and feel nauseous. I’m very happy just thinking and contemplating the future of mankind, the universe, and my place in it. I’m an INTJ, and I wonder if our personality has a bearing on our reaction to ASMR.

  25. AccioTardis Alohomora

    July 9, 2022 at 1:12 am

    I love ASMR but everyone has different tastes. Love Bob Ross but I really can’t stand whispering into mics or lights LOL I feel more on edge and uncomfortable in my skin after all these ASMR vids on this segment >.< Time to listen to bees / nature noises to relax 😀

  26. katherandefy

    July 9, 2022 at 5:25 am

    “I’m a bald man!”

  27. Edward L𝖆w𝖗𝖊𝖓𝖈𝖊 𝑜𝑓🇬🇧

    July 9, 2022 at 5:39 am

    *Japan* 🇯🇵🇯🇵

    “When a prime minister loses either the confidence of their cabinets or of their parliamentary majority, they are in political trouble”

    — *David Allen Green* ✍️

    .. I thank you ✍️ …

    .

  28. Edward L𝖆w𝖗𝖊𝖓𝖈𝖊 𝑜𝑓🇬🇧

    July 9, 2022 at 5:40 am

    *Japan* 🇯🇵🇯🇵

    I am shocked and saddened by the assassination of my friend and longtime partner Shinzo Abe in Japan.

    Former Prime Minister Abe was devoted to both the country he served and the extraordinary alliance between the United States and Japan.

    I will always remember the work we did to strengthen our alliance, the moving experience of traveling to Hiroshima and Pearl Harbor together.

    I send our deepest condolences to the people of Japan who are very much in our thoughts at this painful moment

    ..

  29. ShannicanSkywalker

    July 9, 2022 at 5:49 am

    I love watching Bob Ross for relaxation.. never thought of it as ASMR. My step son talks about ASMR lot and his version makes me cringe.. like chewing near my ear.

  30. ShannicanSkywalker

    July 9, 2022 at 5:50 am

    The whispering creeps me out! 😆

    • WhatsApp⍭⓵⓽⓹⓸⓼⓶⓪⓷⓼⓹⓷

      July 9, 2022 at 6:23 am

      *<<>Thanks for watching send a direct message to the above number for more enlightenment❤️>><*

  31. Andy Cordy

    July 9, 2022 at 6:51 am

    Wow! These so called “ASMR artists” are so creepy! I’m out of here!

  32. anonymous anonymous

    July 9, 2022 at 7:26 am

    This man has a weird but good imagination!

  33. NullBlox.ZachryWilsn

    July 9, 2022 at 8:05 am

    Just more proof we are all connected as lifeforms and thus some people do not believe in magic(more than your typical sense’s) therefor
    they may never feel that sense.

    As in the sense has never been trained or grown, and other sense have now gotten so tuff there is maybe no way to allow them to open the door
    to that area of their minds.

    I would assume training could help but if this sensor has been untrained then It might be a case of you told your
    body it was not needed thus you never got to develop it and/or your place of birth and surroundings made it so that sense was
    not a viable option for what you was taught was needed for your survival.

    Just my 2 cents, will it change the world….(I wish) but I doubt it would even if I was 110% accurate on the above topics.
    Knowing the truth is out there and if told the truth many would still choose not to agree is the worst feeling imho.

  34. Mạnh Dragon

    July 9, 2022 at 8:44 am

    Relax

  35. Vegan Soldier

    July 9, 2022 at 10:38 am

    I’ve never really thought about this before but I used to get this a lot when I was a child when my teacher would lean over my shoulder to help me with my work.

  36. Ducky G-block

    July 9, 2022 at 11:06 am

    Hello

  37. 🇬█ 𝔎𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑚 𝔎alisari│

    July 9, 2022 at 11:19 am

    *TED* ✓ Maybe yes! 🤔

    *UK* 🇬🇧

    “Whatever happens next, the truth remains that for all its public prominence, the office of prime minister is quite weak, once its holder loses the confidence of others in the polity.”

    — *David Allen Green* ✍️

  38. Rebecca Bersagel

    July 9, 2022 at 1:20 pm

    ASMR is triggered when I flow into art. Hmmm, so must be some connection between flow experience & ASMR. Some art days are hard work but many for me are flow & enjoyably calm as I experiment & watch colour/form/texture develop. ASMR as you say is about a kind, caring person assisting you, so if you are that person to yourself in your daily endeavors VOILA. Guess that’s why we are supposed to learn from our mistakes & not be too hard on self. ASMR is about a state of being & acceptance.

  39. Lieve Leysen

    July 9, 2022 at 2:39 pm

    🤩💖 Brilliant

    • what'sapp┼¹ ⁵ ¹ ³ ⁹ ⁷ ⁰ ³ ⁵ ⁶ ³

      July 10, 2022 at 5:44 am

      💙👆
      Thanks for watching have something beneficial to share with you hit me up 👆👆✍️

  40. Minecraft YouTube fans

    July 9, 2022 at 3:18 pm

    Give me car please

  41. MishapTrap

    July 9, 2022 at 4:01 pm

    people trying too hard to do asmr got it all wrong. Nothing will ever compare to the random bouts of asmr when you least expect it.

    • MishapTrap

      July 9, 2022 at 4:02 pm

      Or unintended asmr, prime examples would be old tv shows as was mentioned with bob ross

  42. VARSHA VYAS

    July 9, 2022 at 4:41 pm

    Thankyou so much.

    • what'sapp┼¹ ⁵ ¹ ³ ⁹ ⁷ ⁰ ³ ⁵ ⁶ ³

      July 10, 2022 at 5:48 am

      📩📩📩👆🏻

  43. charles Wilson

    July 9, 2022 at 5:28 pm

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      July 9, 2022 at 5:44 pm

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    • Marius Leif

      July 9, 2022 at 5:44 pm

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    • O Joyce.

      July 9, 2022 at 5:45 pm

      Yes it’s highly profitable now because
      Cryptocurrency is on it’s pace to another
      level.

    • Kennedy Alexander

      July 9, 2022 at 5:45 pm

      There is no doubt on what they are saying
      because Day trading is very profitable currently….

    • Matio Santiago

      July 9, 2022 at 5:46 pm

      Omg I just checked her up on google, she’s a financial consultant and wealth creator.. I’m contacting her right away.

  44. LorenS

    July 9, 2022 at 5:34 pm

    Planning on giving Asmr a try because of this

    This talk was so much fun

    Thanks to the speaker and the production team!

  45. Jake Witzacker

    July 9, 2022 at 5:45 pm

    That´s a well written speech. I enjoyed it a lot, aswell as the information.

  46. Kady

    July 9, 2022 at 5:54 pm

    Why did I feel weirded out watching asmr videos

  47. Kady

    July 9, 2022 at 5:54 pm

    creepy

  48. Invox

    July 9, 2022 at 9:31 pm

    The first and last video made me relax, but the others actually made me angry.

  49. The Rogue of Space

    July 10, 2022 at 2:34 am

    Brilliant presentation, Craig, thank you! 😄🙏🏽

  50. Sharell Lee

    July 10, 2022 at 5:34 am

    I like to have my back tickled. The ASMR videos didn’t do anything for me, but I do listen to sleep meditation videos frequently.

    • what'sapp┼¹ ⁵ ¹ ³ ⁹ ⁷ ⁰ ³ ⁵ ⁶ ³

      July 10, 2022 at 5:42 am

      👆Hey mate.
      Thanks for watching have something beneficial to share with you hit me up 👆👆✍️

  51. Nyx Quake

    July 10, 2022 at 9:32 pm

    Personally I can’t stand the ASMR where people talk or whisper, or there’s any sort of discontinuous sounds and lipsmacking. It’s uncomfortable and gives me the feeling of “back away I’m about to punch you.” But I would consider the ASMR with just sounds, like the scratch of a pencil as it writes.

    • Daniel Howland

      July 12, 2022 at 3:56 pm

      Hah, I just wrote this but in slightly different words. You’re not alone! I liked the scissor sounds but all the saliva sounds make my skin crawl. Now I can hear all my own mouth noises and I hate it XD

    • UK Lorien

      July 14, 2022 at 5:42 pm

      That’s the most annoying thing I’ve experienced in my life, it’s extremely uncomfortable

  52. Zak Zak

    July 11, 2022 at 1:30 am

    AOA Your opinion regarding new interpretation of Quran Marvelous Quran By Dr A Hany

  53. Bulti Chakraborty

    July 11, 2022 at 8:25 am

    Ok good his talks made in to my feelings 👍👍

  54. Sam Punnett

    July 11, 2022 at 9:42 am

    Omg! I adore Glow and Gentlewhispering!

  55. 陈开机 陈

    July 11, 2022 at 11:14 am

    I have a serious sleep problem and I think I should watch some ASMR vedio to fall asleep easily

  56. fakkedd

    July 11, 2022 at 12:01 pm

    I had a permanent migraine after a brain injury, and listening to the soft, gentle voice of one of my classmates was the only thing that ever worked to reduce the pain. Now I understand why.

  57. Võ Minh Thuận

    July 11, 2022 at 1:04 pm

    5:18 Subtitles was mistaken

  58. Joseph

    July 11, 2022 at 3:04 pm

    If the place inside the brain after ASMR begins and the place inside the brain after a positive personal attention from a kind and caring individual begins activate the same, do people think ASMR-haters also feel discomfort near kind and caring individuals after positive personal attention begins?

  59. Hoàng Nguyễn

    July 11, 2022 at 4:33 pm

    i feel speaking very bad

  60. Thomas Rider

    July 12, 2022 at 9:20 am

    I have seen many videos explaining ASMR, and “the tingles” and have often wondered if the “feelings” are of more basic response. Let me explain. I see ASMR not as response to sound, but as a reward for intensely for searching and finding an audio response. The ASMR fans are not just playing the sounds, they are actively attempting to connect to every sound and/or frequency in a low sound environment, and their brain is in high scan mode desperately awaiting a response. A confirmation that I am not alone and that the tingles are my brain acknowledging the receipt of those low tones and creating a biological response similar to fight or flight, but in this case since we are already safe, we’re accepting it as pleasure today since we know there is no risk. I like to think that ASMR is a tool we possessed in infancy to receive auditory feedback to confirm that we are not ever truly left alone. Thanks for the presentation, and I love to know if ASMR occurs in blind people since their hearing tends to be more acute.

  61. YoungManDub

    July 12, 2022 at 12:43 pm

    Jeez the TED crowd looks like a sewing circle from the 50’s

  62. Daniel Howland

    July 12, 2022 at 3:54 pm

    I have a negative response to most of those ASMR clips. All the saliva bubble popping/snapping in people’s mouths make my skin crawl. I kinda liked the scissor sounds though.

  63. Theresa Mayton

    July 12, 2022 at 6:18 pm

    This is NOT relaxing, or positive in any way. It is creepy af.

  64. Pramod Sahani

    July 13, 2022 at 4:01 am

    10:13

  65. Mo'taz M

    July 13, 2022 at 3:53 pm

    Personally, I listen to the holy Quran ^^

  66. Sherxan Raxmonov

    July 14, 2022 at 2:09 am

    Lablablablab

  67. 杉浦勘太

    July 14, 2022 at 3:11 pm

    I only saw this video for studying English, but it was so interesting that I just took a look at it.
    thank you for wonderful speech!!

  68. Fnidner

    July 14, 2022 at 6:45 pm

    now explain the cringe factor

  69. karirankati AZD

    July 15, 2022 at 10:55 am

    ASMR: sick videos 🤮, i can’t handle this kind of videos.

  70. Ida Whispers

    July 15, 2022 at 6:41 pm

    i agree it may be oxytocin; i experienced asmr when breastfeeding 🤱

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