I saw today on Crave, REESE: The Movie – an ASMR experience.
For those unaware of ASMR, either jump in and watch the movie or go online and search ASMR on youtube.
It stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, and the coles notes, it’s a physiological response to a stimulus. It’s audio forward with the use of specific microphone placement for a strange stereo experience. But there’s also a visual style that goes along with it.
I like to consider it the “Bob Ross” effect.
First – well done Reese for the marketing campaign. I’ve said your name a few times, and a may say it again in this post.
More importantly – the exposure of ASMR has me thinking about it as a response to our world. While it might be easy to see the slow tempo nature as a reaction to the obvious fast-paced nature of our modern society, it’s audio forward experience might be a little more strange.
Say it with me – Orality.
We hear sounds all the time – there is audio pollution is all around. The hiss of tires on the street, the buzz of neon lights, the murmur of people talking amongst themselves. So why is this not enough?
Because it’s not for you.
Orality isn’t just sound. It has a distinct and directed nature. In it, all senses are directed and personal. You are the target. I have a message and it’s not for everyone, it’s just for you. I might even whisper it.
The increase in ASMR shows us there is a physiological response to a specific combination of sound & voice directed at you. The social desire is getting stronger and stronger to the point of extreme.
ASMR isn’t for everyone. As a Drone Zone fan, I feel the audio pull, but there are aspects of the style such as the uber whisper or length of session that aren’t my cup of peanut butter. But even my baby boy stopped and watched when we put Reese the Movie on, and he barely stops for anything. So there has to be something to it.