Inside the soothing world of ASMR: Is it really helping your mental health?

 

You know that oddly satisfying feeling when you hear the gentle click of acrylic nails, the hypnotic swoosh of a makeup brush against a microphone, or someone whispering just for you? Welcome to the world of ASMR—the internet’s favourite chill-out hack. You’ve seen it on TikTok, scrolled past it on Instagram reels, or maybe even used it to fall asleep. But why is it so addictive? And what's really happening inside your brain when you tune into those sounds? Is it really self-care, or just another quirky habit we can’t quite explain?

We're diving into the science behind those tingles to find out if it’s really helping you, or just keeping you hooked.

ASMR's effects on your brain 

ASMR may feel like magic, but there’s real neuroscience behind those tingles. According to senior psychiatrist Dr Gorav Gupta, ASMR triggers a chemical cascade in the brain that mimics the effects of bonding and relaxation. Think dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin—the same neurotransmitters released when you fall in love, hug a friend, or pet your dog. Together, they produce the calm, euphoric sensation fans describe as a 'tingly brain massage'.

In other words, when your favourite creator softly whispers into a mic or simulates a spa roleplay, your brain chemically responds in kind, helping you feel soothed, connected, and oddly safe. And with benefits like reduced anxiety and improved mood, which are often mentioned in comment sections, it’s easy to assume ASMR is a kind of digital therapy. However, Dr Gupta points out that while small-scale trials have shown promising results, including reduced heart rate and relaxation responses in some participants, there’s still no large-scale clinical evidence proving its effectiveness as a formal treatment for anxiety, depression, or insomnia.

That doesn’t mean it’s useless. It just means that what you’re experiencing might be situational—a temporary calm, rather than a clinically approved intervention. Therapeutic? Yes. Therapy? Not quite.

Why we’re all hooked

Part of ASMR’s appeal lies in its timing. In an overstimulated, hyper-digitised world, young people are reaching for anything that offers a sense of stillness. Psychiatrist Dr Astik Joshi explains that ASMR may help regulate sensory overload, particularly for those feeling anxious or digitally burnt out. It’s not just the sound—it’s the relief of letting go.

The numbers reflect this cultural shift. According to the Gitnux Report 2025, over 20 million people in the US watch ASMR videos regularly, with YouTube hosting more than 11 million ASMR clips. On TikTok, the hashtag #ASMR has amassed over 4 billion views, making it one of the platform’s most pervasive trends.

The format itself mimics intimacy and care, often replicating experiences like getting your hair brushed, receiving a facial, or being gently reassured by a soft voice. These interactions, though artificial, can temporarily fulfil emotional needs that feel absent in real life.

“I didn’t even know these videos were called ASMR,” says Priyanka Pahariya, an HR manager in Bangalore. “But whenever they popped up on my feed, I’d get hooked. For those few minutes, I’d feel calm—like my anxious brain had finally grounded itself.” Her favourites? Food videos, especially snack unboxings or the rhythmic chopping of vegetables. “I don’t know why, but it feels... hypnotic. That’s the best word I can think of.”

A new coping skill—or just a crutch?

Unlike traditional coping strategies like journaling, talk therapy, or mindfulness, ASMR is still the new kid on the block. Dr Joshi points out that while it may not yet have the scientific weight of other methods, anecdotal evidence suggests that for certain people, it works, especially for regulating emotions in the moment. Still, he warns that too much reliance on ASMR could become unhealthy. When digital comfort begins replacing real-life interaction or becomes the only way someone knows how to relax, it may be a sign that it’s functioning more as a crutch than a tool.

With 60 per cent of viewers using ASMR to help with sleep and 70 per cent reporting anxiety relief (Gitnux, 2025), the line between coping and dependency can blur quickly. At its core, ASMR plays with intimacy—the illusion that someone is speaking directly to you, taking care of you. While that sensation can feel deeply comforting, it also risks detaching people further from actual relationships. According to Dr Joshi, there’s no conclusive evidence that ASMR can recreate the emotional richness of real-life connections. In fact, heavy reliance on it could increase social withdrawal, especially among younger users still developing interpersonal skills.

It’s soothing, yes. But it won’t hold your hand when your world falls apart.

For some, ASMR is part of a self-care ritual. For others, it’s an escape hatch from stress, loneliness, or trauma. The difference often lies in intention. Dr Joshi notes that while ASMR can serve as an emotional buffer, offering temporary relief, it shouldn’t become a way to avoid reality altogether. 

So how do you know when it’s helping versus hurting? Pay attention to frequency and dependency. If you’re watching ASMR every night just to fall asleep or can’t calm down without it, it might be time to re-evaluate.

Why Gen Z can’t get enough

There’s a reason ASMR resonates so deeply with younger audiences. Dr Joshi suggests that Gen Z’s increased interest in ASMR may be linked to their emotional sensitivity, but not in the way people typically mock online. It’s more about being attuned to stress, burnout, and a desire for meaningful calm in a world that’s always on.

According to the Gitnux Report 2025, the most common age group among ASMR viewers is 18–24 years old, and approximately 85 per cent of them are women. On average, ASMR viewing sessions last around 25 minutes, often longer than traditional online attention spans. In that sense, ASMR becomes a kind of digital sanctuary — a curated space where one can momentarily tune out the noise.

What happens if you overdo it?

Like anything that makes us feel good, ASMR can become addictive. Dr Joshi warns that overconsumption may mimic behavioural addiction, potentially leading to increased emotional dependence or withdrawal from real-life social interaction. Dr Gupta echoes this concern, noting that excessive ASMR use, particularly in children and teens, could interfere with the brain’s natural reward systems, impacting emotional regulation long term.

With 65 per cent of viewers reporting “tingling sensations” and brushing, tapping, and whispering ranking as the most popular triggers (Gitnux, 2025), the content is highly optimised for sensory gratification. And with the global ASMR market projected to grow at a CAGR of 23.2 per cent from 2022 to 2028, it’s clear this isn’t just a fleeting trend—it’s a booming industry of comfort-on-demand.

Ultimately, ASMR can be part of your toolkit — a calming balm in a noisy world. But like all digital comforts, it works best when balanced with connection, intention, and a real-world plan for emotional well-being.

Lead image credit: Pexels 

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