Open Access

The ambiguity of technology in ASMR experiences: Four types of intimacies and struggles in the user comments on YouTube


Cite

Ahuja, N. K. (2013). “It feels good to be measured”: Clinical role-play, Walker Percy, and the tingles. Biology and Medicine, 56(3), 442–451. https://doi.org/10.1353/pbm.2013.0022 AhujaN. K. 2013 “It feels good to be measured”: Clinical role-play, Walker Percy, and the tingles Biology and Medicine 56 3 442 451 https://doi.org/10.1353/pbm.2013.0022 10.1353/pbm.2013.0022 Search in Google Scholar

Andersen, J. (2015). Now you’ve got the shiveries: Affect, intimacy, and the ASMR whisper community. Television & New Media, 16(8), 683–700. https://doi.org/10.1177/1527476414556184 AndersenJ. 2015 Now you’ve got the shiveries: Affect, intimacy, and the ASMR whisper community Television & New Media 16 8 683 700 https://doi.org/10.1177/1527476414556184 10.1177/1527476414556184 Search in Google Scholar

Andreassen, R., Petersen, M. N., Harrison, K., & Raun, T. (2018). Introduction. In R. Andreassen, M. N. Petersen, K. Harrison, & T. Raun (Eds.), Mediated intimacies: Connectivities, relationalities and proximities (pp. 1–16). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315208589 AndreassenR. PetersenM. N. HarrisonK. RaunT. 2018 Introduction In AndreassenR. PetersenM. N. HarrisonK. RaunT. (Eds.), Mediated intimacies: Connectivities, relationalities and proximities 1 16 Routledge https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315208589 10.4324/9781351233439-1 Search in Google Scholar

ASMR Darling. (2018, May 2). ASMR personal attention to help you sleep [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Hffn3vYJq80 ASMR Darling 2018 May 2 ASMR personal attention to help you sleep [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Hffn3vYJq80 Search in Google Scholar

Barker, M.-J., Gill, R., & Harvey, L. (2018). Mediated intimacy: Sex advice in media culture. Polity. BarkerM.-J. GillR. HarveyL. 2018 Mediated intimacy: Sex advice in media culture Polity Search in Google Scholar

Barratt, E. L., & Davis, N. J. (2015). Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR): A flow-like mental state. PeerJ, 3, e851. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.851 BarrattE. L. DavisN. J. 2015 Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR): A flow-like mental state PeerJ 3 e851 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.851 10.7717/peerj.851 Search in Google Scholar

Barratt, E. L., Spence, C., & Davis, N. J. (2017). Sensory determinants of the autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR): Understanding the triggers. PeerJ, 5, e3846. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3846 BarrattE. L. SpenceC. DavisN. J. 2017 Sensory determinants of the autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR): Understanding the triggers PeerJ 5 e3846 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3846 10.7717/peerj.3846 Search in Google Scholar

Baym, N., & Markham, A. (2009). Introduction: Making smart choices on shifting ground. In A. Markham, & N. Baym (Eds.), Internet inquiry: Conversations about method (pp. vii–xix). Sage. BaymN. MarkhamA. 2009 Introduction: Making smart choices on shifting ground In MarkhamA. BaymN. (Eds.), Internet inquiry: Conversations about method vii xix Sage Search in Google Scholar

Bennett, E. (2016). Relief from a certain kind of personhood in ASMR role-play videos. In F. Callard, K. Staines, & J. Wilkes (Eds.), The restless compendium: Interdisciplinary investigations of rest and its opposites (pp. 129–136). Palgrave Macmillan. BennettE. 2016 Relief from a certain kind of personhood in ASMR role-play videos In CallardF. StainesK. WilkesJ. (Eds.), The restless compendium: Interdisciplinary investigations of rest and its opposites 129 136 Palgrave Macmillan 10.1007/978-3-319-45264-7_16 Search in Google Scholar

Berryman, R., & Kavka, M. (2017). ‘I guess a lot of people see me as a big sister or a friend’: The role of intimacy in the celebrification of beauty vloggers. Journal of Gender Studies, 26(3), 307–320. https://doi.org/10.1080/09589236.2017.1288611 BerrymanR. KavkaM. 2017 ‘I guess a lot of people see me as a big sister or a friend’: The role of intimacy in the celebrification of beauty vloggers Journal of Gender Studies 26 3 307 320 https://doi.org/10.1080/09589236.2017.1288611 10.1080/09589236.2017.1288611 Search in Google Scholar

Blumer, H. (1969). Symbolic interactionism: Perspective and method. Prentice-Hall. BlumerH. 1969 Symbolic interactionism: Perspective and method Prentice-Hall Search in Google Scholar

Bolter, J. D., & Grusin, R. (2000). Remediation: Understanding new media. MIT Press. BolterJ. D. GrusinR. 2000 Remediation: Understanding new media MIT Press Search in Google Scholar

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa BraunV. ClarkeV. 2006 Using thematic analysis in psychology Qualitative Research in Psychology 3 2 77 101 https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa 10.1191/1478088706qp063oa Search in Google Scholar

Cambridge Dictionary. (2021a). Intimate. Retrieved July 5, 2021, from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/intimate Cambridge Dictionary 2021a Intimate Retrieved July 5, 2021, from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/intimate Search in Google Scholar

Cambridge Dictionary. (2021b). Struggle. Retrieved July 5, 2021, from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/struggle Cambridge Dictionary 2021b Struggle Retrieved July 5, 2021, from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/struggle Search in Google Scholar

Choe, H. (2019). Eating together multimodally: Collaborative eating in mukbang, a Korean livestream of eating. Language in Society, 48(2), 171–208. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0047404518001355 ChoeH. 2019 Eating together multimodally: Collaborative eating in mukbang, a Korean livestream of eating Language in Society 48 2 171 208 https://doi.org/10.1017/S0047404518001355 10.1017/S0047404518001355 Search in Google Scholar

Cosmic Tingles ASMR. (2016, April 14). ASMR 360° Role Play | Hair and Makeup at The Same Time! *_* [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Ny3nJXp_eZw Cosmic Tingles ASMR 2016 April 14 ASMR 360° Role Play | Hair and Makeup at The Same Time! *_* [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Ny3nJXp_eZw Search in Google Scholar

Fredborg, B., Clark, J., & Smith, S. D. (2017). An examination of personality traits associated with autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR). Frontiers in Psychology, 8, Article 247. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00247 FredborgB. ClarkJ. SmithS. D. 2017 An examination of personality traits associated with autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) Frontiers in Psychology 8 Article 247. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00247 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00247 Search in Google Scholar

Fredborg, B. K., Clark, J. M., & Smith, S. D. (2018). Mindfulness and autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR). PeerJ, 6, e5414. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.5414 FredborgB. K. ClarkJ. M. SmithS. D. 2018 Mindfulness and autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) PeerJ 6 e5414 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.5414 10.7717/peerj.5414 Search in Google Scholar

Gallagher, R. (2016). Eliciting euphoria online: The aesthetics of “ASMR” video culture. Film Criticism, 40(2). https://doi.org/10.3998/fc.13761232.0040.202 GallagherR. 2016 Eliciting euphoria online: The aesthetics of “ASMR” video culture Film Criticism 40 2 https://doi.org/10.3998/fc.13761232.0040.202 10.3998/fc.13761232.0040.202 Search in Google Scholar

Gallagher, R. (2018). ‘ASMR’ autobiographies and the (life-)writing of digital subjectivity. Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies, 25(2), 260–277. https://doi.org/10.1177/1354856518818072 GallagherR. 2018 ‘ASMR’ autobiographies and the (life-)writing of digital subjectivity Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies 25 2 260 277 https://doi.org/10.1177/1354856518818072 10.1177/1354856518818072 Search in Google Scholar

Gentle Whispering ASMR. (2015, April 29). The K3YS: Wisdom – A binaural ASMR role play [Video]. You-Tube. https://youtu.be/erTe2wkxc-g Gentle Whispering ASMR 2015 April 29 The K3YS: Wisdom – A binaural ASMR role play [Video]. You-Tube. https://youtu.be/erTe2wkxc-g Search in Google Scholar

Gentle Whispering ASMR. (2017, May 7). ASMR Get your groom on Brushing Soft spoken [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/DYxvmKzmME8 Gentle Whispering ASMR 2017 May 7 ASMR Get your groom on Brushing Soft spoken [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/DYxvmKzmME8 Search in Google Scholar

Gentle Whispering ASMR. (2019, November 7). ASMR cozy night • Soft spoken • Encouragement • Massage • Projector [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/cUunRzVvtP0 Gentle Whispering ASMR 2019 November 7 ASMR cozy night • Soft spoken • Encouragement • Massage • Projector [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/cUunRzVvtP0 Search in Google Scholar

Gibi ASMR. (2018, May 10). [ASMR] Up-close face touching & gentle ear whispers [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/vOr649PWX6w Gibi ASMR 2018 May 10 [ASMR] Up-close face touching & gentle ear whispers [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/vOr649PWX6w Search in Google Scholar

Hall, S. (1997). Representation: Cultural representations and signifying practices. Sage. HallS. 1997 Representation: Cultural representations and signifying practices Sage Search in Google Scholar

Harper, P. C. (2020). ASMR: Bodily pleasure, online performance, digital modality. Sound Studies, 6(1), 95–98. https://doi.org/10.1080/20551940.2019.1681574 HarperP. C. 2020 ASMR: Bodily pleasure, online performance, digital modality Sound Studies 6 1 95 98 https://doi.org/10.1080/20551940.2019.1681574 10.1080/20551940.2019.1681574 Search in Google Scholar

Horton, D., & Wohl, R. (1956). Mass communication and para-social interaction: Observations on intimacy at a distance. Psychiatry, 19(3), 215–229. https://doi.org/10.1080/00332747.1956.11023049 HortonD. WohlR. 1956 Mass communication and para-social interaction: Observations on intimacy at a distance Psychiatry 19 3 215 229 https://doi.org/10.1080/00332747.1956.11023049 10.1080/00332747.1956.11023049 Search in Google Scholar

Jamieson, L. (2013). Personal relationships, intimacy and the self in a mediated and global digital age. In K. Orton-Johnson, & N. Prior (Eds.), Digital sociology (pp. 13–33). Palgrave Macmillan. JamiesonL. 2013 Personal relationships, intimacy and the self in a mediated and global digital age In Orton-JohnsonK. PriorN. (Eds.), Digital sociology 13 33 Palgrave Macmillan 10.1057/9781137297792_2 Search in Google Scholar

Kavka, M. (2008). Reality television, affect and intimacy. Palgrave Macmillan. KavkaM. 2008 Reality television, affect and intimacy Palgrave Macmillan Search in Google Scholar

Klausen, H. B. (2016). Lyde, der føles godt – en netnografisk undersøgelse af det digitalt medierede fænomen ASMR [Sounds that feel good – a netnographic study of the digitally mediated phenomenon ASMR] [Master's thesis, Aarhus University, Denmark]. https://www.kommunikationsforum.dk/log/multimedia/PDF%20og%20andre%20dokumenter/Specialer/HelleBrethKlausen-Lydederfoelesgodt-Speciale.pdf KlausenH. B. 2016 Lyde, der føles godt – en netnografisk undersøgelse af det digitalt medierede fænomen ASMR [Sounds that feel good – a netnographic study of the digitally mediated phenomenon ASMR] Master's thesis, Aarhus University Denmark https://www.kommunikationsforum.dk/log/multimedia/PDF%20og%20andre%20dokumenter/Specialer/HelleBrethKlausen-Lydederfoelesgodt-Speciale.pdf Search in Google Scholar

Klausen, H. B. (2019). ‘Safe and sound’: What technologically-mediated ASMR is capable of through sound. SoundEffects – An Interdisciplinary Journal of Sound and Sound Experience, 8(1), 87–103. https://www.soundeffects.dk/article/view/115035 KlausenH. B. 2019 ‘Safe and sound’: What technologically-mediated ASMR is capable of through sound SoundEffects – An Interdisciplinary Journal of Sound and Sound Experience 8 1 87 103 https://www.soundeffects.dk/article/view/115035 Search in Google Scholar

Klausen, H. B., & Have, I. (2019). “Today let's gently brush your ears”: ASMR som mediekulturelt og lydligt fænomen [ASMR as a media cultural and aural phenomenon]. MedieKultur, 35(66), 37–54. https://doi.org/10.7146/mediekultur.v35i66.106133 KlausenH. B. HaveI. 2019 “Today let's gently brush your ears”: ASMR som mediekulturelt og lydligt fænomen [ASMR as a media cultural and aural phenomenon] MedieKultur 35 66 37 54 https://doi.org/10.7146/mediekultur.v35i66.106133 10.7146/mediekultur.v35i66.106133 Search in Google Scholar

Kozinets, R. V. (2010). Netnography: Doing ethnographic research online. Sage. KozinetsR. V. 2010 Netnography: Doing ethnographic research online Sage Search in Google Scholar

Lombard, M., & Ditton, T. (1997). At the heart of it all: The concept of presence. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1083-6101.1997.tb00072.x LombardM. DittonT. 1997 At the heart of it all: The concept of presence Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication 3 2 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1083-6101.1997.tb00072.x 10.1111/j.1083-6101.1997.tb00072.x Search in Google Scholar

Manon, H. S. (2018). ASMR mania, trigger-chasing, and the anxiety of digital repletion. In G. B. Thakur, & J. M. Dickstein (Eds.), Lacan and the nonhuman (pp. 227–248). Palgrave Macmillan. ManonH. S. 2018 ASMR mania, trigger-chasing, and the anxiety of digital repletion In ThakurG. B. DicksteinJ. M. (Eds.), Lacan and the nonhuman 227 248 Palgrave Macmillan 10.1007/978-3-319-63817-1_12 Search in Google Scholar

Markham, A., & Buchanan, E. (2012). Ethical decision-making and internet research recommendations from the AoIR ethics working committee (Version 2.0). https://aoir.org/reports/ethics.pdf MarkhamA. BuchananE. 2012 Ethical decision-making and internet research recommendations from the AoIR ethics working committee (Version 2.0) https://aoir.org/reports/ethics.pdf Search in Google Scholar

Nathoo, A. (2016). From therapeutic relaxation to mindfulness in the twentieth century. In F. Callard, K. Staines, & J. Wilkes (Eds.), The restless compendium – Interdisciplinary investigations of rest and its opposites (pp. 71–80). Palgrave Macmillan. NathooA. 2016 From therapeutic relaxation to mindfulness in the twentieth century In CallardF. StainesK. WilkesJ. (Eds.), The restless compendium – Interdisciplinary investigations of rest and its opposites 71 80 Palgrave Macmillan 10.1007/978-3-319-45264-7_9 Search in Google Scholar

Poerio, G. L. (2016). Could insomnia be relieved with a YouTube video? The relaxation and calm of ASMR. In F. Callard, K. Staines, & J. Wilkes (Eds.), The restless compendium – Interdisciplinary investigations of rest and its opposites (pp. 119–128). Palgrave Macmillan. PoerioG. L. 2016 Could insomnia be relieved with a YouTube video? The relaxation and calm of ASMR In CallardF. StainesK. WilkesJ. (Eds.), The restless compendium – Interdisciplinary investigations of rest and its opposites 119 128 Palgrave Macmillan 10.1007/978-3-319-45264-7_15 Search in Google Scholar

Poerio, G. L., Blakey, E., Hostler, T. J., & Veltri, T. (2018). More than a feeling: Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is characterized by reliable changes in affect and physiology. PLoS ONE, 13(6), e0196645. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0196645 PoerioG. L. BlakeyE. HostlerT. J. VeltriT. 2018 More than a feeling: Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is characterized by reliable changes in affect and physiology PLoS ONE 13 6 e0196645 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0196645 10.1371/journal.pone.0196645 Search in Google Scholar

Scannell, P. (2010). Foreword: The ontology of radio. In B. O’Neill, P. Jauert, M. Ala-Fossi, S. Lax, & L. Nyre (Eds.), Digital radio in Europe – Technologies, industries and cultures (pp. 9–16). Intellect. ScannellP. 2010 Foreword: The ontology of radio In O’NeillB. JauertP. Ala-FossiM. LaxS. NyreL. (Eds.), Digital radio in Europe – Technologies, industries and cultures 9 16 Intellect Search in Google Scholar

Senft, T. M. (2008). Camgirls: Celebrity and community in the age of social networks. Peter Lang Publishing. SenftT. M. 2008 Camgirls: Celebrity and community in the age of social networks Peter Lang Publishing Search in Google Scholar

Smith, N., & Snider, A. (2019). ASMR, affect and digitally-mediated intimacy. Emotion, Space and Society, 30, 41–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emospa.2018.11.002 SmithN. SniderA. 2019 ASMR, affect and digitally-mediated intimacy Emotion, Space and Society 30 41 48 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emospa.2018.11.002 10.1016/j.emospa.2018.11.002 Search in Google Scholar

Smith, S. D., Fredborg, B. K., & Kornelsen, J. (2017). An examination of the default mode network in individuals with autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR). Social Neuroscience, 12(4), 361–365. https://doi.org/10.1080/17470919.2016.1188851 SmithS. D. FredborgB. K. KornelsenJ. 2017 An examination of the default mode network in individuals with autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) Social Neuroscience 12 4 361 365 https://doi.org/10.1080/17470919.2016.1188851 10.1080/17470919.2016.1188851 Search in Google Scholar

Sobchack, V. (2004). Carnal thoughts: Embodiment and moving image culture. University of California Press. SobchackV. 2004 Carnal thoughts: Embodiment and moving image culture University of California Press 10.1525/9780520937826 Search in Google Scholar

Thompson, J. B. (2005). The new visibility. Theory, Culture & Society, 22(6), 31–51. https://doi.org/10.1177/0263276405059413 ThompsonJ. B. 2005 The new visibility Theory, Culture & Society 22 6 31 51 https://doi.org/10.1177/0263276405059413 10.1177/0263276405059413 Search in Google Scholar

Tony Bomboni ASMR. (2019, November 24). Resonance & Esoteric Healing w/Sound Therapy (POV ASMR) [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/xlRnoY8f7vU Tony Bomboni ASMR 2019 November 24 Resonance & Esoteric Healing w/Sound Therapy (POV ASMR) [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/xlRnoY8f7vU Search in Google Scholar

Townsend, A. M., & Mennecke, B. E. (2013). Virtual worlds as radical theater: Extending the proscenium. In R. Teigland, & D. Power (Eds.), The immersive internet: Reflections on the entangling of the virtual with society, politics, and the economy (pp. 65–76). Palgrave Macmillan. TownsendA. M. MenneckeB. E. 2013 Virtual worlds as radical theater: Extending the proscenium In TeiglandR. PowerD. (Eds.), The immersive internet: Reflections on the entangling of the virtual with society, politics, and the economy 65 76 Palgrave Macmillan 10.1057/9781137283023_6 Search in Google Scholar

Tracy, S. J. (2013). Qualitative research methods: Collecting evidence, crafting analysis, communicating impact. Wiley-Blackwell. TracyS. J. 2013 Qualitative research methods: Collecting evidence, crafting analysis, communicating impact Wiley-Blackwell Search in Google Scholar

Tuuri, K., & Peltola, H.-R. (2019). Building worlds together with sound and music. In M. Grimshaw, M. Hansen, & M. Knakkergaard (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of sound and imagination (pp. 345–357). Oxford University Press. TuuriK. PeltolaH.-R. 2019 Building worlds together with sound and music In GrimshawM. HansenM. KnakkergaardM. (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of sound and imagination 345 357 Oxford University Press Search in Google Scholar

Waldron, E. (2017). ‘This FEELS SO REAL!’ Sense and sexuality in ASMR videos. First Monday, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v22i1.7282 WaldronE. 2017 ‘This FEELS SO REAL!’ Sense and sexuality in ASMR videos First Monday 22 1 https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v22i1.7282 10.5210/fm.v22i1.7282 Search in Google Scholar

WhispersRed ASMR. (2017, April 21). Whispered cuppa chat | Update & chill ASMR | Pottering & faffing [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/G7XgKORunX4 WhispersRed ASMR 2017 April 21 Whispered cuppa chat | Update & chill ASMR | Pottering & faffing [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/G7XgKORunX4 Search in Google Scholar

WhispersUnicorn. (2016, May 3). Eyebrow consultation ASMR roleplay – (Personal attention, shaping, trimming, plucking) [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/H3vzLdFaUdI WhispersUnicorn 2016 May 3 Eyebrow consultation ASMR roleplay – (Personal attention, shaping, trimming, plucking) [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/H3vzLdFaUdI Search in Google Scholar

Zelizer, V. (2005). The purchase of intimacy. Princeton University Press. ZelizerV. 2005 The purchase of intimacy Princeton University Press Search in Google Scholar

eISSN:
2001-5119
Language:
English
Publication timeframe:
2 times per year
Journal Subjects:
Social Sciences, Communication Science, Mass Communication, Public and Political Communication