ASMR: Internet Trend or Classroom Tool?
If you are on social media, you have definitely run into ASMR videos. As you scroll on TikTok, Instagram, or even Youtube recommendations, you will often see videos of people cutting soap, playing with kinetic sand, eating, or even coloring. ASMR videos have gained an intense following and get users immersed in sitting and watching.
What is ASMR?
Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a sensory and emotional phenomenon characterized by a tingling sensation which is often accompanied by feelings of calmness and relaxation (Engelbregt et. al, 2022). Essentially, it encompasses specific sensations that are perceived by many to be peaceful, calming, and relaxing. In the realm of the internet, ASMR videos are readily available for consumption.
Common ASMR Triggers
According to an article on Calm.com, common triggers include:
- Soft Whispering
- Crisp, Scrunching, or Squishing Sounds
- Tapping or Typing
- Eye Contact
- Light Patterns
These triggers are known to invoke ASMR among people. Videos all over the internet have been focused around these specific triggers in various ways.
Does it actually work?
Notably, there has been a scarcity of scientific studies on the phenomenon. However, some studies suggest there are real benefits to ASMR.
In a study conducted in 2018, 1,002 participants were presented two ASMR videos which all lasted approximately 3 minutes. Those participants that experienced ASMR felt more excitement, calmness, and less stress and sadness after watching the video to those who did not experience ASMR. In a secondary questionnaire, 80% reported that ASMR improved their mood (Engelbregt et. al, 2022) . In a study conducted by Engelbregt et. al, it was shown that feelings of depression decrease after watching ASMR videos in individuals who experience the tingles. In addition, their study showed that after watching ASMR videos, participants reported levels of increased excitement, calmness, and decreased levels of stress and sadness. Additionally, in their study, they found that the heart rates of all participants, regardless of whether or not they experienced “tingles”, decreased while watching ASMR videos, which connects to feelings of relaxation. Lastly, it was found that ASMR videos, “decrease alpha and theta power and increase beta power, which may contribute to the idea that ASMR is related to…a form of focused attention, like ‘state of flow’ absorption.” (Engelbregt et. al, 2022).
How does this relate to school?
As a teacher, we have all found ourselves in the moment where you are trying to find the best way to transition your students from one thing to the next. As a teacher who sees a class two periods in a row, I long searched for a way in which to transition the students in a calm way, while simultaneously giving students the opportunity to have a break in between math and science.
Upon scrolling on the internet myself, I found myself entranced with these videos. I felt a sense of calm and stillness. Then, I wondered… What if I showed this to my students?
The first time I attempted to use ASMR at school was after field day. The students were riled up coming back from the excitement of play and we had 20 minutes until dismissal. They were jittery and could not stay focused. I played a kinetic sand ASMR, specifically with the word “satisfying” in the title, and I was in shock when a rambunctious class of 22 students went silent. Students were entranced with the video and even managed to “shush” one another. After they calmed down, I attempted to redirect them to another activity while we waited, however to my surprise many popped up and asked for another video.
After witnessing the impact of ASMR myself with a class of 22 fifth graders, I decided to find a way to embed it into my everyday practice.
Using ASMR in the Classroom
At the end of one of the class periods, I tell my students that we are transitioning to the next period. They were given specific instructions to put their materials away and head back to their desks. Once they begin moving, I begin to set up the video for the day. It started with me picking things that I had seen in my own time scrolling Tiktok, this included kinetic sand and slime. I would play the video for about 3 to 5 minutes and when it was over, I then display the Do Now board for the following period. Each day, the routine stayed exactly the same. With time, I no longer have to remind my students to transition to the next period, they have become accustomed to the routine. They love getting their ASMR breaks and will often remind me to have one if it ever slips my mind.
Building Connections With Students
Not only did ASMR help with peaceful transitions within the classroom. However, it allowed me to connect with my students in a different way. Several of my students had mentioned to me that they had watched videos like these at home on their own time. In addition, they were even coming in with new suggestions of videos to watch. Students are then coming into school with suggestions relating back to the things that they enjoy outside of school. This allows for me, as the teacher, to continue learning about my students in an authentic and natural way, as well as for my students to learn about the things that I enjoy as well. It has led to some great conversations within the students themselves. They may have even found that they connect with some students that they may have not previously due to finding some common ground.
Your Turn
I challenge you. If you are ever in a pinch and need the students to quiet down, or if you are looking for a new way to transition your students, give ASMR a try. Let me know in the comments below how it went!
My students and I have compiled a list of our favorite ASMRtists and genres of ASMR that we love. Check some examples out below:
References:
Calm. (2023) What is ASMR? The calming benefits behind those brain tingles.Calm. Retrieved from: https://www.calm.com/blog/what-is-asmr
Engelbregt, H J, Brinkman, K, van Geest, C.C.E, Irrmischer, M, & Deijen, J.B. (2022, May 5). The effects of autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) on mood, attention, heart rate, skin conductance and EEG in healthy young adults. Experimental Brain Research, 240. 1727-1742.https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-022-06377-9
Sottosanti, K. (2024, Dec 13). ASMR: sensation. Britannica. Retrieved from: https://www.britannica.com/topic/ASMR
I never would have thought about using ASMR videos in the classroom! I feel like once students reach high school, we often forget about the engagement strategies their earlier teachers use, expecting them to just sit and focus for 80 minutes like robots. I know my own children come home often talking about their brain breaks, so I loved your suggestion for using ASMR as a transition tool! I can definitely see this being helpful at the start of class when students are coming in energized from the halls or after a higher energy student participation/group activity when they need to shift into individual reflection and analysis. I’m excited to try this out. Thanks for the great idea!
ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting to hear back from you as to how this worked with your high schoolers. I think often times, we think about high school students as being able to hold attention for longer periods of time and not needing as much down time. However, realistically, they are still adolescents and just like adults, we need breaks every so often as well! I've seen more and more on social media how some of the tools and tricks that Elementary teachers use with their students have been starting to become even popularized with high schoolers!
DeleteI must admit that I have never heard about ASMR videos as teaching tools nor could I imagine it. However, I would love the idea of experimenting with such videos in class to create a calming and focused learning environment. I can definitely see how they could be helpful for language learners or even as a mindfulness tool before or after lessons in Middle School and especially with my 6th Graders being all over the place . But I will give it a go for sure! Thanks for sharing such an interesting perspective!
ReplyDeleteI had never thought about integrating something simple like ASMR into the classroom and being able to now see it as a classroom tool. It just goes to show how the times are shifting and students awareness to social media is growing. I have 5th graders, and it shocks me when they mention to me how much access they have to technology tools. Many of my 5th graders have their own iPhones, iPads, tablets, or even computers at home. With that, they really take to integrating social media trends like ASMR in the classroom, as they are familiar with it outside of the school scope. I've noticed students have been more open to watching and quieting down with something like ASMR, rather than "mindfulness" videos. I'd love to hear how it goes for you!
DeleteI have never thought about incorporating ASMR videos in my classroom. I enjoy watching these videos so why wouldn't my students. In my classroom after related arts, we have a cool down time. I think this would be great to use during this time. ASMR can help my students relax and process how the day has been going. I can see how these can benefit students of all ages. Do you let your students pick the ASMR videos or do you pick them? I feel like you could reward students by picking which videos to watch. I enjoyed reading your blog and I can’t wait to try this in my classroom!
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly how I felt! If I can get entranced with the videos during my own quiet time, how would it not be fun to use fr students in the classroom? In the beginning, I started off by selecting videos myself, such as kinetic sand, just because it was what I was familiar with. However, as the year progressed, students got excited about being able to offer suggestions. In a way, it can even motivate some students who may struggle with staying on task getting to pick the video as a reward. I can't wait to hear about how it worked for you!
DeleteThis is something I have never thought about using in the classroom, but I cannot wait to try it! Our population of students have a very hard time transitioning from recess to the classroom. Almost on a daily basis something carries over with them from recess and they come back to the classroom anxious or upset. In the past I have used Yoga for kids videos on YouTube, but I started noticing that the students who need the calming the most are the least likely to participate in the Yoga. I started having them color, draw, or play with playdoh for a few minutes to decompress, but I love the idea of this instead. I am definitely going to try this with my students for that transition. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt is so different, that it was just a chance that it worked. However, I would agree that getting them to watch something and engage with watching a video like ASMR is easier for them to access, rather than needing to participate in Yoga. As you stated, there are students who are opposed to the traditional mindfulness videos, including yoga, and would much better respond to something that requires less "social" impact. I would love to hear if it worked with your students just the video, or if potentially doing it in conjunction with your other tools, may be helpful for your students!
DeleteASMR is a classroom tool that I would have never thought to use as a way to promote relaxation but also a great method to help students transition smoothly between activities. Looking at the benefits of ASMR—calmness, reduced stress, and improved focus is something that I definitely want to implement into my classroom setting. I feel that utilizing ASMR can be a great way to help students who may struggle with transitions or those who have high energy levels that need to be regulated. The routine of incorporating ASMR can also create a predictable and comforting structure in the classroom, which could benefit students who thrive on consistency. I cannot wait to use ASMR for a quick, easy and effective way to bring a sense of calm and mindfulness into the school day.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that ASMR can be a powerful tool for promoting relaxation and aiding transitions in the classroom. This can be especially beneficial for those high energy students who need an additional outlet to refocus and calm them down. It's important to have several different tools in our teacher toolkits! I've found that establishing a routine around ASMR not only provides consistency but also fosters a sense of comfort for the students. I'm excited for you to implement this in your classroom and can't wait to hear about how it went!
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