The making of audio

What equipment?

The only two tools I used was my iPhone for the main recording and Soundtrap on my computer for the copyright-free music.

What software?

I chose to simply record on my iPhone voice memo app. I don’t generally know how to edit and record using fancy equipment, so this was the easiest tool for me. I also used Soundtrap to clean up the recording and to fade in and out music. I used a sound called Bass-Club Bass.

Help from AI?

For this project, the only instance I used AI was for the script pacing and general talking points for this project. I also used AI for the picture above from Canva.

Audio clip

Credits

Online resources

ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) is a tingling sensation that goes hand in hand with feelings of relaxation. The effects of ASMR is a great article that dives deep into the science as to how and why ASMR has calming effects.

This Forbes article explains a study from the University of Sheffield on how ASMR helps with stress reducing aspects related to meditation. ASMR not only reduces stress, but also helps lower levels of sadness. The participants who are frequent listens of ASMR typically have lower heartbeats while watching ASMR.

Music

Creator unknown. Sound found on Soundtrap. Labeled Bass-Club bass.

Transcript

Introduction (0:00-0:20):

Introduction and explain the concept of ASMR

• Hello everyone! Welcome back to Erin’s blog. For today’s topic, I will be discussing autonomous sensory meridian response, or as it’s more commonly known as, ASMR. ASMR is a tingling sensation felt when listening to certain sounds. The euphoric feeling starts in the scalp and works its way down the neck and spine creating a sense of tranquility. 

Segment 1: ASMR triggers? (0:20-0:40)

Discuss common ASMR triggers—this is where I add two sound effects

• There are many sounds that can trigger the tingling sensation. Like tapping *Tap my wooden dresser* or rubbing a certain material *Rub my cloth laundry bag*. The sensations send a rush of dopamine, resulting in calmness and  relaxation to the listener. Usually, the sounds are soft and quiet to trigger the tingling sensation associated with ASMR. 

Segment 2: Why I like ASMR (0:40-1:10)

Talk about how ASMR helps me unwind and relax before bed

• ASMR is a personal preference, an acquired taste, if you will. I have found that ASMR helps me with not only feeling calm, but also when I get headaches. The tingling sensation helps with appeasing the headache and helps it not hurt anymore. I like listening to ASMR right before bed to relax me. I close my eyes and just listen and focus on the sounds I hear and the sensations I have. I struggle with anxiety, so ASMR helps me and my brain with focusing on something else besides my panic attacks. 

Segment 3: ASMR in Media (1:10-1:40)

Talk about the rise of ASMR on YouTube and TikTok

• So where did it come from? ASMR became huge on YouTube a few years ago. Suddenly, everybody had a microphone and all these different sensation enhancers like brushes, water globes, and foam to squeeze on the microphone. After TikTok became global, everyone started putting ASMR on there as well as it was very popular. They gained thousands of followers who were desperate to feel the tingling sensations. And still today, sometimes I come across a TikTok live of someone doing ASMR. It’s not as popular as it once was, but people will always remember how it made them feel, so there will always be a market for it.  

Conclusion (1:40-2:00)

Recap the main points discussed

• In conclusion, ASMR not only helps with calming down and relaxation, it can help you fall asleep faster, and the tingling sensations can help with headaches. The feelings it promotes can help with anxiety, as the brain is focused on something else and ASMR can help improve mood as it calms. All in all, ASMR is a great technique for relaxation as it helps the listeners with achieving peace through sounds and sensations. Thanks for listening!