The Weird World of ASMR

Aeshaan Singhal

February 6, 2026

The internet is undeniably a strange place where possibilities to learn, create, and absorb knowledge are seemingly endless. That being said, if you think you’ve seen the weirdest part of the internet, you probably haven’t. ASMR, which stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, is an internet phenomenon that arose in the late 2000’s and grew particularly on YouTube. The primary purpose of ASMR is to soothe the brain, which allows the listener to refocus, relax, and reduce anxiety. ASMR works primarily through gentle noises like scratching, rubbing a mic, or whispering, which is meant to stimulate endorphins like oxytocin to induce tingles in the listener. Most people use ASMR as a means to sleep, study, or just relax. 

This is where ASMR gets slightly crazy. ASMR isn’t just about relaxing noises through objects that produce soothing sounds. Some of the most fascinating ASMRs come in the form of roleplays. Some of the tamer roleplays include “ASMR Lawyer” or “ASMR Best Friend”, but on the other hand, we have other roleplays, such as “ASMR ~ Rude and Extra Ghetto Hairstylist Does your Hair” or “Indian Call Center Scammer”. Other unique roleplays include ASMR’s, which simulate romantic relationships, called Boyfriend or Girlfriend ASMRs. These role plays accumulate hundreds of thousands, even millions of views. 

ASMR attracts thousands of people because it encourages parasocial behavior through one-sided interactions. The ASMR also comforts people who may feel lonely, or at times, and recreates situations that they missed out on in life, or would like to relive. ASMRs add predictability and a sense of control to one’s life, which, for many people, is a welcome relief from the unpredictability of life. 

There is a darker side to ASMRs, which includes extremely parasocial relationships with the characters created in these roleplays, especially in romantic ASMRs, which can lead to obsessive fan behavior or an unhealthy mentality for many listeners. ASMR can also enable a loss of connection with individuals, as people turn to the internet for connections. 

ASMR reflects the internet as a whole: strange, beneficial, but occasionally harmful. ASMR represents the creativity of the internet, but also, at times, it can be simple and plain. It serves as a place where people can momentarily relax and take a psychological break. Its benefits outweigh its harms, as it serves a purpose for people who might need ASMR to rest and relax. It’s a quiet and controlled space that makes people feel understood.