If you haven’t heard of ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response), well, you are in for a treat. ASMR is an experience characterized by a static-like or tingling sensation on the skin. This sensation usually starts from the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and the upper spine.
ASMR has become a trend on social media platforms like Youtube, Instagram, and Snapchat, everybody who has Snapchat has probably come across the Oddly Satisfying posts.
The sole purpose of ASMR is to relax people. The ASMR community on social media is constantly growing. Ideally, ASMR videos are meant to give viewers a relaxing tingle and relaxing sensations.
ASMR videos are usually, Gentle Whispering (Cardi B has been involved in this trend), Relaxing hand movements, lip smacking, chewing sounds, crunching sounds, nail tapping, squishing sounds and many more.
It has also been reported that ASMR does not have an effect or work on everyone, and it can also be tough to imagine the relaxing sensation if you don’t experience it first hand.
According to some research, ASMR can also trigger the feeling of relaxation before bedtime, and supposedly helps people who deal with insomnia.
The Circular had the opportunity to speak with anonymous sand cutting ASMR artist/enthusiast from the Instagram page and Youtube channel called sand
Can you tell the readers about yourself?
I like to stay anonymous, but I’m in the United States.
How would you describe what you do?
Some of the news companies call me an ASMR Artist, so that sounds good.
When did you decide to start your ASMR page and why?
February 1st, 2017. I saw some Sand cutting on Instagram and I wanted to add my own creativity to it, so I posted a very clean shape with great lighting and close up angles and it just took off. I had 30K followers in 8 days. So I said, well, I think I’ll keep going and here we are 🙂
You have gained over 1 million followers on Instagram, how would you describe this trend?
It’s part of a whole ASMR thing, so I’m not sure how to describe it. One thing I hear a lot of is that some people don’t like traditional ASMR but they love what I do. The visuals and the sounds.
ASMR has taken social media by storm, why do you think people find the sound and crunches so satisfying?
Many people talk about wanting to eat it, so I guess it comes from food in some way. The crunchy cutting is just so relaxing and satisfying to people.
How would you describe the reactions you’ve gotten from your followers over time?
It’s been amazing, more than I could have ever imagined. I get messages from people who say my videos totally take away their anxiety and stress to other messages saying their child has Autism and it actually helps them stay calm and focused.
What products do you use to achieve the desired effect and how do you create them?
I use products called Kinetic Sand and MadMattr, I use those products to create all of my shapes.
What is your favorite piece of work and why?
The Drop & Squish with the cubes and a couple of other things but mainly because I invented the type of video and style.
Do you think this trend will continue for a long time?
No clue, but it spans from so many different things, I hope it lasts a long time. Relaxation, ASMR, Visual/Sounds, etc.
