Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is the scientific name for the phenomenon. It’s a tingling sensation that begins with the scalp and moves down the back of the neck, bringing a sense of euphoria to the recipient. People say they get it listening to Whisper Porn on You Tube.
Whisper Porn has developed millions of followers, devotees claiming it helps with insomnia, anxiety, pain, stress, drug addiction and all sorts of maladies.
Whisper Porn, you ask? It’s the latest big thing on You Tube, hours upon hours of soft mundane sounds said to trigger this response aurally. Whispering is a common technique employed by channel hosts; for the most talented, very soft singing.
Spirit Peyton of Houston is one of the genre’s stars, and acquired more than eleven million hits of her eating a pickle, while whispering occasionally, very, very close to the microphone. Some people whisper while brushing hair, or don’t speak at all while creating odd sounds running their fingers through goo, or brushing hair, or crinkling aluminum foil, or slowly rotating a box of candy. Yes, there is an audience for this.
“There are some of these You Tube Channels with millions of hits, which is amazing!” exclaims nationally-recognized health though-leader Dr. Brad Watts. He explains that in theory it works on the same theory you worked on when you put your young kids bed. “So if you can imagine being a little kid again, how did your parents teach you to fall asleep at night? Well, they’d whisper to you, or sing a lullaby, or something relaxing.” But he cautions that not everyone will feel the tingle of ASMR. “Less than 10% of the population can actually feel this effect.”
Google, the company that owns You Tube, keeps track of how many people watch these videos and when. Peak viewing is from 10-11pm.