It's been a
long day, hasn't it? You probably feel tired, sleepy. Or, maybe, you have
problems with sleep. In any case, I hope you'll find the topic of this post
helpful.
Questions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPjNY5y7Nfk |
Have you
ever heard of ASMR?
Autonomous sensory
meridian response (ASMR) is a term used for an experience characterized by a
static-like or tingling sensation on the skin that typically begins on the
scalp and moves down the back of the neck and upper spine.
In a
nutshell, ASMR is something that comforts and relaxes you, help fall asleep,
calm down or just get goosebumps. There are visual and audial asmr, but the
second type is more popular.
ASMR are
videos on YouTube in which people make different sounds: tap on items, scratch
them, whisper from ear to ear, eat, make mouth sounds, read books, etc.
ASMRtists (people
who create audiovisual material) usually use binaural/stereo mics. This means
that the sound in your ears is la little bit different. For example, ASMRtist
can whisper to a left microphone and the sound in your left ear will be louder.
This creates the impression of 3D sound.
There are
some examples of triggers:
- Listening to a softly spoken or whispering voice
- Listening to quiet, repetitive sounds resulting from someone engaging in a mundane task such as turning the pages of a book
- Watching somebody attentively execute a mundane task such as preparing food
- Loudly chewing, crunching, slurping or biting foods, drinks, or gum
- Receiving altruistic tender personal attention
- Initiating the stimulus through conscious manipulation without the need for external video or audio triggers
There are
some examples of ASMR. You don’t have to watch these videos from beginning to
end and all of them. Just choose the one you like and watch a minute or two.
But do it only at home and only while wearing headphones.
There is
also something called mukbang.
Mukbang (or
muk-bang; Korean: 먹방; meokbang; lit. "eating
show") is an online audiovisual broadcast in which a host eats large
quantities of food while interacting with their audience.
It reminds
ASMR in some way, but in mukbang videos, people only eat and not necessarily
quiet. Just try to paste into the search on YouTube "mukbang" and
you'll be surprised at the number of mukbang videos and views on them.
There are
several theories why it's popular. Some argue that it helps satisfy the desire
for the food. Others say that the Koreans (they started to make such videos)
used to eat with someone, not alone. But those Koreans who live alone feel
lonely when eating alone, so they watch mukbangs.
- Have you ever heard of or listened to ASRM? How do you feel about it and do you find it relaxing?
- Why, in your opinion, so many people watch Mukbang videos?
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomous_sensory_meridian_response
Comments
So, you think people watch it to not to be hungry?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQa9kKUeFMc
As for Mukbang, I remember it gaining popularity due to The Diva. Like many things coming from Asia, I must say that its popularity is beyond my comprehension :)
I remember the first time I saw ASMR. "Hey, girl, what are you doing with this brush, why are you whispering those silly things so close to the mic?"
Maybe, it's ok to be a little bit strange and watch strange things. Otherwise, the world would be so normal and boring, wouldn't it?
I have never heard about mukbang but during today's dinner I won't eat alone :D
It's a little bit weird but probably you are right and some people dont want to be alone during dinner.
Mukbang streamers probably eat online to earn money, because they have viewers that send donations. However I have no idea why normal people watch this. Maybe only Asians know it.
Why, in your opinion, so many people watch Mukbang videos?
I think that people who listen to such things are either bored af or just some sort of fetishists. Whatever floats your boat i guess.
I can't tell why other people watch it. Maybe they really don't like to eat alone. But I watch mukbang when I'm on a diet and can't eat something. It's strange, but it works for me so good. And not only those videos but just watching pictures with cakes or something like that does a great job too.
Maybe people watch those Mukbang videos because they are lonely? Or perhaps they are hungry? I don't know, but it might have connection to the fact that, for example, everyone likes the picture of well made food, like a T-bone steak.
To be honest, I don't know why so many people watch Mukbang videos, but most likely because "Koreans used to eat with someone".
As for the Mukbang I think your explanation of being alone while eating makes sense.
Hope you find ASMR relaxing and it helps you to fall asleep today.
I think mostly because of the fact they are lonely. So instead of eating alone they look for company.