Intimacy, eroticism, participation and experimentation in ASMR videos

Abstract

The acronym ASMR stands for what is called Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, an expression in English that if translated freely would mean “autonomous sensory meridian response”. The phenomenon is described by many as a feeling of pleasure, euphoria and positivity marked by a combined sensation of goosebumps, tingling and static of a tactile nature that would begin at the top of the head, unfolding towards the back of the neck and the rest of the spine and spreading throughout the body. In this essay, I seek to analyze the constitution of the so-called “ASMR Community” and the audiovisual material of some producers of this type of digital content, the ASMRtists, intentional creators of audiovisual stimuli for the delight of their audience. I also outline reflections on gender, intimacy and eroticism around ASMR videos and collectivities, seeking to understand them here as participatory digital narratives.