Multimodal sound formats in ASMR-inducing media and their effects on youth wellbeing

The evolution of communication through social media and virtual platforms has been particularly transformative, notably among younger generations, who have discovered new dimensions of social connectedness and digital intimacy in the rapidly changing cyberspace. While over 67% of the global population has some degree of Internet connectivity, accessible mental health care provision is still lagging. A recent online phenomenon popularly known as Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR), has sparked conversations about mental health amongst internauts, emphasising the potential for digital health interventions and civic engagement to reshape public policy-making and enhance community well-being. The term ASMR is attributed to a tingling sensation in the head, neck and spine, followed by profound relaxation, in response to sensorial stimulation. Audio-visual content designed to induce this experience has become viral on online video-sharing platforms and digital mobile applications.
Empirical work presented in this thesis, provides evidence that ASMR-inducing media (ASMRim) can be a feasible intervention to support wellbeing, education and, potentially, early treatment for mental health difficulties in young populations. A mixed method approach was used to collect psychometric and physiometric data from people between the age of 18 and 24, who report experiencing media-induced ASMR.
The manuscript elaborates on the production of six three-minute pieces of media as the object of analysis. Each clip presented a combination of six different ASMR triggers, one of two modalities (audio-visual and auditory) and one of three sound formats (binaural, stereo, and mono). Individual experimental sessions took place in a controlled environment, measuring participants’ responses on affect, psychosomatic sensations, and sonic perception during and after media exposure. Findings of this study revealed the impact of these ASMRim modalities and sound formats on participants’ ASMR experience, including self-reported mood improvement and reduction in heart rate to evidence positive wellbeing indicators: the physiology of euphoria and relaxation.
Moreover, through audio analyses of the produced ASMRim, this work contributes towards the understanding of common acoustic properties found in ASMR triggers, such as a strong presence of low frequencies and a short attack within the waveform envelope. However, further empirical research on immersive technologies and auditory perception is required to evaluate if personalised sound can enhance the experience of ASMR and, with it, benefits in youth wellbeing.