While watching countless videos on YouTube and Instagram, you're bound to bump into at least one video where someone is tapping their fingers, cutting fabric or crinkling plastic; naturally, anyone's first response is, What is this? Well, it's ASMR. ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response, meaning some sounds or visuals can trigger an intense calming and relaxing feeling when seen or heard. The simplest example is the sound of a thunderstorm, and how that can aid sleep and cause you to relax. The cover photo I chose is the best way I can describe this without using words.

The ASMR community has been on the rise for the past five years. Many people have started ASMR channels on YouTube and other platforms where they take requests from viewers as to what triggers they should record and post online. There are videos where sounds are simply recorded, there's also channels dedicated to one-on-one interactions where the creator acts out a scene (it's less creepy than it sounds I promise).

Something that needs to be clarified about ASMR is that it is not sexual, and not related to anything of the sort. ASMR videos are said to help those with anxiety, those who have trouble falling asleep and can also help de-stress, in general. I recently discovered ASMR about a year ago by accident while in a film class, and was very confused as to why someone would record countless minutes crinkling paper up against a microphone. But, in all honesty, different sounds work for different people. I happen to love rain sounds, and it really helps me to focus when studying for a test or when I'm trying to fall sleep. Other people may like the sound of someone reading while whispering, or the sound of someone writing.

ASMR is very personal. Look it up, and discover what the hype is all about.