How does ASMR affect perception?

'a woman's hands touching a microphone'

ASMR, or autonomous sensory meridian response, influences perception by producing a pleasurable tingling sensation often felt on the scalp and neck, promoting relaxation and tranquility ([3]). It is triggered by specific auditory and visual stimuli, such as gentle whispers and soft tapping ([4]). Research shows that ASMR activates several brain areas, including the nucleus accumbens, which is involved in reward processing, and the medial prefrontal cortex, associated with social behaviors and emotions ([2][5]).

Additionally, people who experience ASMR exhibit increased emotional arousal and altered brain connectivity, indicating a distinctive perceptual responsiveness to ASMR stimuli compared to those who do not experience it ([3][5]).

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