wikipedia | Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a colloquial
term used for an experience characterized by a static-like or tingling
sensation on the skin that typically begins on the scalp and moves down
the back of the neck and upper spine. It has been compared with auditory-tactile synesthesia.[1][2]
ASMR signifies the subjective experience of "low-grade euphoria"
characterised by "a combination of positive feelings and a distinct
static-like tingling sensation on the skin". It is most commonly
triggered by specific acoustic, visual and digital media stimuli, and
less commonly by intentional attentional control.[3][4]
The term "autonomous sensory meridian response" was coined on 25
February 2010 by Jennifer Allen, a cybersecurity professional residing
in New York[5] in the introduction to a Facebook Group she founded entitled the ASMR Group.[6]
Prior to the subsequent social consensus
that led to what is now the ubiquitous adoption of that term, other
names were proposed and discussed at a number of locations including the
Steady Health forum, the Society of Sensationalists Yahoo! Group and
the Unnamed Feeling Blog.
Proposed formal names included "Attention Induced Head Orgasm",
"Attention Induced Euphoria" and "Attention Induced Observant Euphoria",
whilst colloquial terms in usage included "brain massage", "head tingle", "brain tingle", "spine tingle" and "brain orgasm".[7][8][9][10][11][12]
Whilst many colloquial and formal terms used and proposed between 2007 and 2010 included reference to orgasm,
there was during that time a significant majority objection to its use
among those active in online discussions, many of whom have continued to
persist in differentiating the euphoric and relaxing nature of ASMR
from sexual arousal.[13]
However, by 2015, a division had occurred within the ASMR community
over the subject of sexual arousal, with some creating videos
categorized as ASMRotica (ASMR erotica), which are deliberately designed to be sexually stimulating.[14][15]
The initial consensus among the ASMR Community was that the name
should not pose a high risk of the phenomenon being perceived as sexual.
Given that consensus, Allen proposed "autonomous sensory meridian
response". Allen chose the words intending or assuming them to have the
following specific meanings:[16]
- Autonomous – spontaneous, self-governing, within or without control
- Sensory – pertaining to the senses or sensation
- Meridian – signifying a peak, climax, or point of highest development
- Response – referring to an experience triggered by something external or internal
Allen verified in a 2016 interview that she purposely selected these
terms because they were more objective, comfortable, and clinical than
alternative terms for the sensation.[17]
Allen explained she selected the word meridian to replace the word
orgasm due to its meaning of point or period of greatest prosperity.
The term "autonomous sensory meridian response" and its initialism
ASMR were adopted by both the community of contributors to online
discussions and those reporting and commentating on the phenomenon.
