The behavioral insights agency Revealing Reality recently published a report on ASMR, interviewing viewers and creators of ASMR content and analyzing thousands of videos. They found a correlation between age and sensitivity to both social and sensory stimuli. Younger adults are more likely to find the world overwhelming and prefer online interactions to face-to-face interactions.
The report questions if the growing appeal of ASMR among younger generations reveals their struggles to navigate offline life. It also raises concerns about an increase in auditory processing problems among young people, possibly linked to excessive noise-canceling headphones use.
While users of ASMR content find comfort and pleasure in their experiences, the researchers wonder if relying on synthetic experiences might hinder the development of social and emotional skills. They argue that avoiding the “messiness” of human interactions might lead to missed opportunities for growth and connection.
Jenny Radesky, a professor at the University of Michigan, suggests that while ASMR can be a calming resource, it may not teach necessary skills for resilience. She emphasize the importance of providing young people with a variety of options in their social and physical contexts to develop resilience.
