The Trinitonian asked students around Coates Library about the stress-relieving benefits of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) videos.

Nina Pollak
Sophomore international studies and international business double-major
Why do you watch ASMR?
“I think I watch it every once in a while because it helps me kind of relax and calm down and take me out of whatever I’m worrying about, and I just focus on that.”
What type of ASMR do you typically watch?
“Usually, just audio, or I’ll just close my eyes and listen to it, which sounds weird, but I think it’s a type of meditation for me.”
What benefits does watching ASMR have for you?
“It honestly just helps me calm down. I think a lot of the time I have a ton of different things on my mind at once, and it just kind of helps me not have to think about anyone and just focus on whatever the sound is.”
When do you typically watch ASMR?
“I feel like anything I do that’s kind of meditative is more at night or just before I go to bed because it helps me turn my brain off.”

Danna Ramirez
Sophomore undeclared major
Why do you watch ASMR?
“Because it is very relaxing. I think a lot of people think that it’s strange but I think there’s something about it that triggers your brain to want to sleep. So that is why I watch it.”
What type of ASMR do you typically watch?
“I watch a lot of examination types. It’s like when you go to the doctor and they tell you, ‘Can you follow the light,’ ‘Can you tell me how many fingers I’m holding up.’”
What benefits does watching ASMR have for you?
“I get tired more easily. That’s one of the main ones.”
When do you typically watch ASMR?
“When I’m getting ready for bed.”

Elizabeth Spuskanyuk
Sophomore neuroscience major
Why do you watch ASMR?
“To relax and destress because it gives your mind something to think about and focus on.”
What type of ASMR do you typically watch?
“I like when they put stuff on the mic. I like when they make the noise [of] rain or something. Or with shaving cream. I like the noise ASMR. Or like popping noises with bubble wrap.”
What benefits does watching ASMR have for you?
“It allows your mind to distract itself by focusing on something. So it’s very good for relaxing if you’re overwhelmed or you need your mind to rest.”
When do you typically watch ASMR?
“I would say in the evening, like on TikTok or something if I’m stressed.”

Isairah Moreno Hernandez
Junior human resources management major
Why do you watch ASMR?
“I watch ASMR because it honestly puts me into a relaxation mode and is a time to just listen to something that isn’t loud. And honestly, it does put me to sleep.”
What type of ASMR do you typically watch?
“An ASMR that I typically watch is like the ones that play with slime. Not only is it a listening thing but also a visual because I watch it. They just play with different slime that have different textures and things like that.”
What benefits does watching ASMR have for you?
“I would say some benefits is that it puts you to sleep really quickly because sometimes I fall asleep to TikToks, but ASMR is more relaxation and not just TikTok sounds.”
When do you typically watch ASMR?
“I typically watch ASMR at night right before I go to sleep.”

Mia Kholy
Senior neuroscience major
Why do you watch ASMR?
“I watch ASMR because it honestly is kind of comforting. And also they are so particular about it. It’s like, they put time and effort into it, and it’s just nice to digest that type of material.”
What type of ASMR do you typically watch?
“I really like this account on Instagram called @paper_pepper because she cuts paper and does paper makeovers.”
What benefits does watching ASMR have for you?
“It’s just kind of satisfying. Especially with this one [@paper_pepper], she gives them a makeover and at the end they’re gorgeous.”
When do you typically watch ASMR?
“Just whenever it comes up on my feed.”