What is ASMR and Why is it Being Sexualised? (Opinion based)

[@yourfavoritedrawer7680]

Am I the only one who hardly ever gets tingles yet still I am being relaxed?

[@Jordandiaz74]

no you're not alone , I don't get tingles at all but I do find the videos relaxing and they put me to sleep

[@yourfavoritedrawer7680]

+Jordan Diaz Oh pheew, I was worried there for a bit XD.

[@Jordandiaz74]

+YourFavoriteDrawer I know , it sucks to not experience them as they sound awesome but at least they help with sleep

[@MalaysianTropikfusion]

I get tingles not from ASMR videos, but by imagining my scalp being massaged or focusing on a point on my scalp. I don't know why videos can never elicit tingles for me. I do love them, still, for the relaxing audio.

[@gamerinjin5181]

+Jordan Diaz same here. I have chronic insomnia and these videos put me right to sleep.

[@theASMRnerd]

Thanks for a great video, Deluca! Lots of great points and I agree with you 100%. ASMR and sexual stimulation are completely different sensations. Some people may experience sexual stimulation while watching ASMR videos, but for the vast majority of creators, that is *not* the intent. As you say, the misunderstanding arises because platonic intimacy is often misconstrued for sexual intimacy. Further muddying the waters is the fact that ASMR is increasingly sexualized because sex sells. Videos like this help clarify the nature of ASMR for people who might be confused or misled. Great work!

[@PARISASMR]

Thank you bro. You mentioned something really important: the intention of the main ASMR creators is not sexual and that's all what matters. Greetings from Paris. 😉

[@ReformedOrderPart2]

Uh huh, and that's why you have a fairly recent video of YOU all snuggled up in bed looking extra cute infront of the camera no? (9_9)

[@Sweetirishwhispers]

You explained this VERY well. I think for people to have an open discussion about it then they need to watch / listen to the entire video. Thanks for making this buddy xx

[@WhisperedSynthsASMR]

+Sweet_irish_whispers Thank you! As I'm replying I'm reading interesting experiences, so far people have been open to talk about it without being rude which is great :)

[@moviechic07]

Yeah when it's made sexual it makes me uncomfortable.

[@fede3847]

me too :$

[@merciu8491]

me too!!

[@nemoidan]

Yes, then don't watch it!

[@b.l.o.o.d.m.o.s.e.s.]

Lol me too.

[@sophieread5747]

Ikr I'm like, ok r u a pervert or ?

[@snolan12534]

Eloquently put, Deluca. I've been seeing this issue for ages, and I'm so glad that someone finally addressed it. Congrats for being an absolutely lovely human being. Best!

[@lynnen264]

Agree people often think an intimate moment only means sexual when it can mean many things. Love your accent and your explanation of ASMR was excellent

[@ardraneala]

Great video. I've never ever been worried about this sexualizing of asmr videos as a medium in general, a lot of the classical paintings that are in museums were actually intended to be pornography, and one of the first things people did after the camera was invented was record naked women and men. The first people to fully jump on to the VR bandwagon were pornographers. Even the sistine chapel is basically a shrine devoted to Michelangelos obsession with the male body. Those things survived, and I'm sure ASMR content will survive as well.

[@magickfighter]

+ardra neala I agree as well. Sex is a powerful driving force and it's very ubiquitous. Similar to how sub-genres of any art form deviates from the parent genre, sexualized ASMR videos are just different flavors for different palettes and it doesn't/shouldn't define the entirety of the genre. Although I can understand the concern content creators may have when newcomers classify them as sexual and typically warrants a disclaimer to clears things up.

[@Conda17]

+ardra neala it isn't a matter of surviving. It is a matter of firstly recognising, accepting and then wanting to research and find out more about asmr as a whole and what the future of it could be. Surviving it implies no interest in what asmr could possibbly be or become and also implies that it should be ignored until it goes away or fades into a subgenre disassociated with asmr . Mostly because as a whole we all have such a narrow view of what asmr is and for a lot of people what it should be when this is a creation of our personal emotions and views.

[@elwachinmanda]

ardra you rock!

[@vendovi3057]

Completely agree

[@TarotReaderASMR]

Good topic. You're one of the fine ambassadors of ASMR :) With all the misinterpretation out there, we need more videos like this, I feel...

[@WhisperedSynthsASMR]

+Tarot Reader ASMR Thank you! I appreciate you saying that, I'm hoping the discussion will bring new experiences as well. I can only speak for what I feel and what viewers have shared, but I know it's a big pond for ASMR still.

[@WinterSPF15]

I loved what you said about how it makes people feel safe and like someone is there for them. A lot of people who deal with depression and anxiety and other things like that watch ASMR and get comfort just from having another person "there", without any social pressures.

[@badkitty1523]

Bien dicho! I absolutely agree with you, I personally hate it when sexualized videos are tagged as asmr because then it creates a misunderstanding of the meaning of asmr and I find asmr to be almost like a health science for relaxation with techniques that sometimes are experimented on viewers for the purpose of inducing maximum relaxation. Thank you again Deluca for sharing your thoughts with us.

[@BriTheCrafter]

this has finally been made

[@WhisperedSynthsASMR]

+Brianna :D And I hope the discussion keeps evolving! I'm sure we'll all learn a lot from other people's points of view. Thanks for watching Brianna smiley face :)

[@lacqueredhearts]

Was waiting for a perspective on this. Thanks Deluca. You addressed in a really articulate way.

[@regnvalimix]

I couldn't agree more. You have given a voice to the many content creators and viewers who have had to struggle with over sexualization of an art/practice. This is something that plagues society on all ends, and it's great that you're saying something... now take your top off and rub your mic with your feet XP (I couldn't resist. but seriously good job)

[@kev2020]

This vid was spot on! I try to make it a point to see what it is that I'm getting out of ASMR vids. I've found that vids such as your tapping, brushing and unintelligible types trigger me whereas, the drawing, scifi/fantasy, conure and gaming vids are incredibly relaxing and things that I can relate as well.

[@iMurakami]

This is so well put ! This is exactly what I had to explain to someone I work with. It's not anything other then what you make it, for me it's relaxation and also I can honestly tell you in the past 4 months, I've discovered ASMR videos and have fallen asleep much faster and had better quality sleep as well! You and one other fellow "ASMR-tist" are people I recommend to people who get curious about ASMR to check out and see what you think I have yet to get a "sexual feedback" so people who take it there that's just you. Don't ruin what the true purpose is.

[@ASMRGaffer]

Good video man. I think another one of the things that fuels the misconceptions of ASMR is that a lot of the content creators are pretty good looking. If every ASMR content creator happened to exclusively be 60 years old, baking and singing lullabies. I don't think people would have picked up on the sexual interpretation so readily. But yep, at the end of the day ASMR is triggered by a level of intimacy. And everyone has their own subtle nuance of interactions that they respond to. It seems to change for me through the months. Sometimes it'll be a soft female voice reading a newspaper, or telling me how she's going to apply makeup to me. Sometimes watching someone unscrewing bottle caps with a deep soothing male voice that works. It's just that powerful subduing feeling of being in close proximity to another human being you feel safe and comfortable with.

[@SneppWreck22]

Thank God someone said it. Great video, Deluca.

[@teejay1397]

I think a HUGE part of ASMR is the fact that these feelings are "triggered", meaning that specific stimuli evokes a response that otherwise can't be artificially created. And I don't think it's worth shaming those who interpret the stimuli sexually, that's not anyone's choice. Are there people who seek these videos for sexually explicit purposes and therefore create an UNWELCOME sexual connotation, absolutely. And should that be condemned? Totally. But we can't shame everyone into believing that if they are feeling sexually stimulated from these videos that their feelings are wrong and frowned upon. Sexual stimuli is incredibly healthy for the human body and relives stress and emotion the same way ASMR is intended to do, and if the two mix and create a more pleasurable atmosphere, isn't that the goal for ASMRtists? We can't shame sexuality in this society like its something to hide, everyone experiences it. The problem is not that the sexual aspect exists it's how we HANDLE it.

[@Jasper-or7ui]

I watch asmr videos to feel secure in my surroundings, ease stress, feel nurtured, fall asleep and just relax in general. It's a lot line a healing thing for me, and I appreciate all the positive you share with us. Your videos help me focus less on the bad and more on the good.

[@girluvzwaffles]

I'm glad you made a video about this. I have tried to get friends into ASMR since it has helped me so much but most of them just don't get it, think its weird, or like you said get turned on by it and they don't understand how I could be interested in watching them. Some people just don't keep an open mind either I think because they are so personal one on one type roleplays sometimes that it feels too personal to them maybe and we live in a society where people aren't so personal with each other anymore its sad really :C Either way I love ASMR it helps me calm down when I'm feeling like I might be about to have a panic attack and helps me sleep when I can't so thank you to all the content creators keep up the awesome work :3

[@KitTheHueManaTea]

Thank you so much for making this video! I have been dealing with a chronic low-grade type of depression that leaves me with insomnia for most of my life. A little over a year ago I found ASMR videos first through ALB in Whisperland and have only recently found your videos. At first, I was so surprised at how this almost easily her videos put me to sleep! Sleep that always seems to escape me. It relaxes me in a way that almost nothing else does. And it does go to that memory of when I was a young child and I would lay my head in my grandmother's lap as she ran her fingers through my hair. So when I watch/listen to these videos, there is nothing sexual about them. I don't even really get 'tingles' but I am thoroughly relaxed, so I'm not sure I count as someone that is triggered? At first, I could only listen to women's ASMR videos because it was harder for me to be comfortable listening to the men's videos--I couldn't associate relaxation with men's voices. But through your ER video I was pleasantly surprised that I fell asleep a little ways into the video. Aside from that note, I remember trying to explain ASMR to a friend and when they didn't know what it was, I tried explaining it the best that I could at the time and they made fun of me for it and then went on to the topic that it seemed very sexual. If anything, that experience made me shy about revealing to anyone about ASMR. But seeing this video, (which as a speech major has an excellent format), I am glad that there is now a reference that I can go to considering you laid out the differences quite eloquently. I would like to ask, though, as a speech major in college, we are required to present an informative speech. Normally, it is about something we are passionate about or have known about for a good amount of time. It's been in my head to do my speech on ASMR but I was too hesitant to do so before now. Is it alright if I use your video as a source? I would cite you and your channel for everything, but I would like to ask for your permission first and also if you would have any suggestions on what I could discuss when introducing my college class to ASMR. Once again, thank you for posting this and for all of your hard work into making these videos.

[@emilygrace1692]

Way to open up this subject so openly! I hope some healthy discussion comes from this in the community

[@6blackkeywings9]

Thanks so much for clearing all this up. I've wanted to recommend ASMR to some of my family members who I know struggle w/ sleep and have anxiety but I don't want them to judge and write it off as something strange or sexual before even trying it. So I'm showing this video to them before I turn them loose in the ASMR community lol. I hope they find what triggers them. Again thanks so much!

[@dannyadams-moore2430]

A year ago I didn't even know the term ASMR, but I knew getting an eye exam or hearing someone speak softly, or listening to someone write made me feel very relaxed and one day I decided to research this because I didn't know how to explain it to people, and was very pleasantly surprised to find that there was a whole community!!! Thank you so much for making these videos!!!!

[@savanna.m.x]

Deluca, you explained this very well. I have been in this community for a while now and I always get weird feelings from the commenters who say sexual things when these videos are obviously made for relaxation and tingles which are amazing. I really think that this is something that needed to be addressed and I'm so glad that you did. Also, thanks for the tingles I love your videos they are amazing keep up the good work!

[@courtneycourts]

Thank you so much for making this. I really enjoy ASMR and I remember when I first discovered it, it was amazing. I couldn't really describe to my friends at the time because I was very new to the community and I barely understood myself. Then after awhile when I fully understood what I was watching I tried to let my friends get the same experience as I had. In the end I gave up trying because no one could see it the way I do. My friends would give me strange looks and I felt that they were seeing it in a sexualised context. Maybe I could share this video to them just so they hear that its not made to be something sexual but something comforting and relaxing.

[@consciousdreamer1]

Very well done video DeLuca. I think for many of us who respond to ASMR, the trigger is truly the feeling of being safe and cared for. I have experienced a lot of trauma in my life and I have come to watch ASMR videos not only for its relaxation benefits, but also to help relieve feelings of stress and anxiety. Thank you for explaining it so eloquently.

[@captnebulace]

I completely agree with what you said, I think we need more videos addressing this. Especialy because recently a lot of "cam girls"have been cashing in on asmr by making sentual distasteful videos with the sole purpose of promoting their cam shows. its messed up. and i think that really confuses people about asmr. and of course, the media got a hold of asmr and did what they always do, twisted it and made it seem like something weird, dirty, and sexual. but anyways, I think this video is a step in the right direction. thank you :)

[@ajrob77]

Well said! This was such a clear and precise explanation of what asmr is ...and what it is not. It's an easy jump from the intimacy needed for asmr to an aroused state, but as you said, it isn't the purposeful intent of most artists to make anyone cross that line. Much like yourself, my earliest memories of asmr involve my grandmother, whispers, humming church hymns, and even my Aunt who would pray over me as a child. She always prayed into my right ear which would send triggers all the way down my spine and right leg...Lol! I would try to keep my eyes closed and be respectful because I couldn't explain to her how much her whispered prayers "tickled" my brain. haha!. I adore your channel because I feel that same comfort and connection that I've only experienced with family and in complete safety and innocence. Your combination of intelligence and humor make it quite easy to feel at ease. Keep doing what you do, as you are a gifted artist who has helped more people than you will ever know. Thank you, and I look forward to the new videos you post this winter!

[@ConfessorRahl]

The thing is, you don't get to decide what ASMR is all about for anyone else. It's different for everyone. You can experience sexuality while simultaneously experiencing ASMR. You can experience ASMR without experiencing any sexual context. There are some people who find a sexy man/woman increases their feelings of ASMR without actually having a sexual experience and vice versa. There is nothing wrong with making ASMR videos that appeal to a wide variety of perspectives. Some people like eating videos (myself). Others like tapping sounds, whispers, breathing, girlfriend/boyfriend role plays, and on and on and on. Sexuality can go hand in hand with ASMR like any of the previously mentioned subjects. As long as you are relaxed and your ASMR is being triggered, what's the harm? Just like there are many ways to write a book, there are many ways to express yourself that people will find relaxing and triggering. It doesn't represent any part of the community, just the person that created it.

[@WhisperedSynthsASMR]

+ASMR Rahl This is why I state this in entirely based on my opinion, and I'm pretty open minded about what people want to do with their channels. This is an open discussion and I appreciate your point of view and encourage other people to share their views as well. It's the best thing that can happen since there's no research on it. So no, I don't think I get to decide what ASMR is. I only get to decide what I do with the content I upload. Like I mentioned in the video, is it wrong if someone gets turns on with ASMR videos? No. It's just not my intention nor is it for many other content creators. Some people think that having tingles is the same as having an erection or feeling aroused. I'm trying to draw a distinction based on what I believe. Again, I don't think I get to decide either, and this is an opinion based video. I'm not making an official statement. I saw so in the video and in the description box. Your input will add to the discussion and I agree with most of what you say. People can watch ASMR and look for someone who they find attractive if they want to. The only harm I mention that DOES happen is when people who are aroused leave dirty comments or stalk other content creators. I think we can all agree that's not a good thing. Thanks for your input, I'd we all talk about it.

[@BraedenMartel]

+ASMR Rahl He stated that within the first minute

[@ConfessorRahl]

Perhaps I should have said "no one gets to decide." I absolutely appreciate the video and your perspective. Had this been a video response it would have sounded different.

[@WhisperedSynthsASMR]

+ASMR Rahl Yeah I think turning this into an open discussion can be very beneficial, but there is the lack of tone factor in leaving comments, I hope I don't sound harsh with what I write, I really like that you shared that because I always try to get viewers to share their experience. There was a lot more I could have said to avoid misinterpretation. Perhaps I will address everything I learn from the comments here in a future video. Thank you again.

[@Conda17]

You are spot on, i think a lot of the reasons why people tend to act disgusted towards sensual or sexual based asmr videos is because of a number of things, the main two being personal insecurities and ego. The personal insecurities are not as serious and are probably just a minor case of being uncomfortable around these types of situations when it does not involve something physical with someone they know, care about or love, maybe it is because they have never experienced these things at all and all of these are possibilities this is natural as if we are all honest we can willingly admit that from an outside perspective asmr looks weird as hell already without an added sensual/sexual factor. The ego factor is with the people out there that have this exalted and entitled attitude towards not only themselves but towards how they think their idea of asmr is what it should be and what it is factually, without any doubt they are right in their opinion of course. There has been a massive influx of this attitude is asmr and i like to call them asmr police or the asmr board of ethics and morals commission, they never used to be around 5 years and ago or before asmr got it's fancy name and suddenly these people have the idea that they can set rules, boundaries and limits on what asmr can be when they really can't and have absolutely no right to. Not only do they hold a different opinion but they in a lot of cases tend to verbally abuse, persecute and in essence try to bully any uploader and any fan of these types of videos which just goes to show how the asmr "community" is not as different to every other community on the net as it like to think it is, there goes the loving hippie esque portrayal that people like to disguise themsleves with go out the window. People like to argue that sensuality or sexuality will somehow taint asmr when really this is just a cover story for the deep seeded emotions that people really have with not only these videos but these topics as a whole. The second part of the ego factor that is apparent in all groups of people is again the entitlement factor but this time in a different form. People love to be in what they consider to be special little "clubs" or "groups" and in this case as many other similar cases it is called a "community" to give it that warm homely feeling. If anyone tries to what in their eyes is seen as change or taint their "community" then they act like the majority of humans and the first act is to attack rather than do what we all should do for the future benefit of asmr and say "wow, that's interesting, i personally have never felt this sensation from this stimuli before and maybe there is something to look at here for the broadening and advancement of a sensation that none of us have any real evidence about because other people seem to". Instead most people shout and scream "perverts, go watch porn and stop trying to use the asmr name because it's not" when they like us all have no exact idea of what asmr really is. It scares them and instead of actually caring about asmr and thinking of how we could find out more about it and try to take an interest in how the sensation behaves and acts within different people we as a whole mostly just turn our heads and choose to ignore out of simple close mindedness which is highly common. We should be trying to give back to asmr by researchng it and taking an interest in when, where and how it affects the body and mind and from what stimuli no matter what it may be but most people are too selfish for that. They will stick with what they like and if anything threatens the way that they or their asmr interests are looked upon then they will do everything to shut it down just to save their self image whether it be others opinions of them or their opinion of themselves and their personal uncomfortability around their own feelings or views. If we cared about asmr we would look into every avenue of possibilities to try and find out everything we could about it but instead most people get uncomfortable or scared and choose to reject or ignore with no thought about how we as asmr viewers could make major breakthroughs in a field that isn't even recognised on a global scale yet and definitely not on a scientific level. Others will come along eventually and will take credit for these breakthroughs, they will then look back on us as a "community" and shake their heads whilst tutting about how much time we wasted thinking about ourselves and how we and asmr would be looked upon rather than the long term benefits, it's sad.

[@JERPIANO]

Very eloquent and straight to the main points. I hope this helps clarify the difference...especially for the media!

[@rderby911]

im so grateful you made a video addressing this. it was getting a little of of hand. personally, im one of those unfortunate people who dont get the tingles, but i absolutely adore asmr because i helps with my anxiety and helps me sleep and relax after long days. i owe a lot to qualitu asmrtist like you, heatherfeather, and fatfr33pudding just to name a few. i almost feel bad for you asmrtist when i see super sexualized comments because it takes focus away from the intended focus of the video, and to an extent its sexual harassment. its about time some one brought it to light. Regardless, thank you for the amazing videos DeLuca! Know that youve really helped out one very stressed high school kid. looking forward to your next video already!

[@Jhalibut67]

I REALLY appreciated this video because it brought up a discussion I had a couple years ago. I was actually talking with a psychologist about how I felt different from many other people because I struggled feeling any sort of sexual intentions toward either gender. I explained how I formed general relationships with people and how they always found it weird or thought I was hitting on them, which confused me because I never felt that way towards them, I just felt safe around them. My psychologist went on to talk about how I like intimacy over sexuality, which was a confusing topic for me. He talked about how with many people, intimacy and sexuality are interchangeable and therefore the two are easily confused, but where I felt that the two were separated I was at a disadvantage because people thought I was coming off strong. I think the argument into intimacy and sexuality is a difficult one because it differs by culture and experience. Where some see intimacy simply as trust and comfort, others may more frequently associate these things with a sexual partner.

[@joburke8434]

I consider myself a newbie to the ASMR community(only been listing for a few months). I've listened to many different ASMRtists and I can see how some people can see this type of relaxation as sexual but I think the content creators of the videos will always make it clear that they are being professional(and when I mean professional, I mean they stick to their content of strictly providing tingles). Just because one person gets aroused by a video, does not mean that that was the intention of the video. I do also think it is rude and inappropriate that some people decide to comment on the videos with sexual content or something just as vulgar. So I fully agree with you. This is a great video! 😊🙌🏾

[@movingon4now]

Right. I usually don't actually watch most vids, just listen to fall asleep. Everyone's preferences and intentions are different. I don't often like role plays but it can depend on the ASMR artist. I still think Maria ( +GentleWhispering​ is queen. 💗) I prefer soft spoken, some whispering, certain crinkle sounds, paper sounds, some tapping, some rubbing, scratching, and hand movements (and lots I'm not thinking of now) . I love foreign language vids so my mind can drift off and not think. I find new triggers once in a while and some triggers come and go. It's great for relaxation and stress relief. Thanks for sharing. You remind me sometimes of my brother who passed away in 2007. I have some of your vids in my faves list.

[@spinelie974]

That was very well explained. I'm very new to ASMR but from what I've seen so far a lot of videos make me uncomfortable and not relaxed at all. Yours on the other hand do help me to sleep, and I recommended you to my friends who have anxiety and can't sleep sometimes because of it. Keep up the good work and thank you!

[@YodaTheCat321]

Very good video, i feel like it's one I can share with others too. I especially feel annoyed (and saddened!) when people disregard ASMR completely, or consider it just one more way to get turned on online, as my biggest trigger is nail tapping and tracing!

[@markncl100]

I concur totally with you on this. I have had the tingly feelings that I now know are ASMR from a young age, long before I had any idea about sex or sexuality.

[@dandambar]

I completely agree with you, Deluca. I must also say that even if you're not whispering, I still feel ASMR with your normal voice!

[@BrunoGarutti]

You are complete right. I study human behavior and we usually do project our feelings on those that give us attention and love. Once again great work!

[@DonnaASMR]

Very well said, thank you!

[@WhisperedSynthsASMR]

+DonnaASMR Thanks for watching Donna! Hopefully this does more good than harm, I'm hoping viewers will share their experiences.

[@dianemarquez9972]

I am new to ASMR and I have found that when I search for videos I find a fair amount of "sexualized ASMR". I'm glad you made a video to explain the differences. I never felt those "tingles" with those videos but I never understood. Now I play ASMR when I feel anxiety coming on and it helps tremendously. Gracias por sus vídeos que siempre me an relajado. saludos!!!!

[@sweeteuphy]

I really like the way you carry yourself and talk, I always feel safe and comfortable with your videos. Thank you!

[@citurmoil7513]

Yea, most ASMRtists do videos with the pure intentions of relaxing people, or putting them to sleep by triggering them. And of course when the media sees this, they think people are just exaggerating about it, or simply getting turned on, but it is waaay more than that. Though I do feel that some people probably do get turned on by ASMR while still feeling actual tingles. It's hard to label what is ASMR and what isn't since everyone experiences it differently. Though I whole-heartily agree that if people do get turned on by the videos, they should still show respect and not talk about sexual things in the comment section! It's really rude.Thanks for making this video Deluca :)

[@cde1968]

Good video. I like your explanation on this. Also, I think in addition to just tingle sensations, ASMR is an escape from the every day experience. It has never been sexual as far as I'm concerned. For instance, your Journey into Darkness video; it makes me feel as if you've taken me on a journey to another place, another time, another consciousness. I also think the videos help people to be in tune with their senses, as so many people are so busy in their day-to-day lives, they can become numb to them. Thank you for your contribution to help keep us in tune. :-)

[@Tesumph]

Definitely saw this coming, especially after your previous video's comments. I'll dump my personal insight here and try not to write an essay, but I tend to ramble, so. There's no denying that ASMR and arousal are very different feelings; anyone who experiences tingles/relaxation from ASMR videos can tell you that. The problem, like you said, is that both feelings are incredibly intimate and that can cause some awkward overlapping. My personal earliest memories of ASMR tingles are from when my mother used to trace designs on my back when I couldn't sit still in church, and I'd get the heaviest feelings of rushing to my head and feel the tingles down my spine.. Obviously that experience cannot be sexualized in the slightest. However more recent real-life ASMR experiences occurred when I was with a guy in a past relationship that turned sour. Having a long medical history and battling an old head injury gave me things like chronic insomnia and debilitating migraines; sometimes I just feel like dying. So he'd help me out and we'd have long whispered conversations to distract me or just cuddle or whatever. Just his caring presence would trigger me, though in this instance the ASMR and sensual nature of that intimacy heavily overlaps. (I think I mentioned something about this in a comment on Deluca's hospital roleplay. The whole video reminded me so much of those intimate moments that it both intensely relaxed me and made me weirdly nostalgic/uncomfortable.) I think more people have experienced some degree of arousal from an ASMR video than they're willing to admit. It just happens, it reminds you of something or the particular video is accidentally more sensual than intended. But like you said, that is not the *intention* of most creators. Just like a girl wearing skinnyjeans is likely not wanting someone to catcall her. Even if you intentionally catch a glance, it is very much a choice to be a grown-up about things and not act on certain thoughts. I mean c'mon, at least have the dignity to not proclaim how sexually aroused you are in the comments of innocent ASMR videos. It's pathetic at best, and disturbingly threatening at worst. Keep that shit to yourself, whether or not you can stop yourself from thinking about it. And then there's the content creators who DO have intentions of arousal. The first time I clicked on a video of a woman with her boobs hanging out and taking up 2/3 of the frame, her seductive makeup and slow blinking, deep voice, I had to triple check I had clicked on a video titled ASMR and not softcore porn. Needless to say I hightailed it out of there. Talk about a disturbing comment section. Like you said, that is a huge part of the problem. Men and women using sex to their advantage and purposely evoking that reaction for more views or a larger audience or whatever. That's fine and good, but holy hell quit calling that ASMR. Make up a new name for it, but meshing the two together only creates confusion and the kind of weirdness we occasionally see in the comment section of legit ASMR videos. Anyway, excuse the verbose. Pretty much repeated what was said in the video, but sometimes you gotta vent. Thanks for addressing the elephant in the room.

[@TheLondondancer]

I like your doctor role plays because for me it helps me cope with my anxiety and extremely bad phobia of medical people. The come ness of your videos helps stop the panic attacks when seeing a medical personal.

[@greywhale]

I stumbled into ASMR one day and thought of it as a good way to relax. Since then I use it every night. It helps me prevent over imagination that keep me up at night. I fall asleep pretty quickly now thanks to it.

[@fargofargofargo]

i just hate how, as someone who looks for asmr that is NOT the sexual videos, I have to search through all of the sexual ones tagged "asmr" just to find a normal one. I think it would be better for the entire community if they (the sexual asmr-ists) put a different tag so the searching can be filtered, and people who get turned by normal asmr videos keep that information off the asmr-ist's comments. it's honestly freaking creepy when my other channel gets those and I dont appreciate it at all.

[@madamimadam5269]

Great job articulating what asmr is and how it is different from sexuality! It's great it see this issue getting attention

[@laurieesparza55]

the way this video started was soo serious, it felt just like a urgent news report. ☺😂 nice Deluca! ❤ very, very nice. 💜

[@WesBenter]

I give a lot of credit to Lita (whose channel originally went by the name @Massageclips) for introducing me to the sensations associated with ASMR. Back in 2008, I would fall asleep to her massage instruction videos at night because I found them relaxing. It was only in the last two-years or so that I notice the coined term, ASMR. During that time, I explored other ASMR artists (yourself included). I appreciate your thoughts on intimacy and triggers. Given sexualities ties to intimacy, it's easy to understand how ASMR and its content may be construed as sexual. It's nice that you've addressed the issue candidly and yet delicately and respectfully at the same time (so not to offend). At the very least, you've offered some nice thought leadership on the topic, for which some folks (arguably the media) may consider you an expert or authority on the subject given your viewership/audience numbers. Admittedly I'm biased because since subscribing to your channel, insomnia doesn't spend near as many nights in bed with me.

[@TheBD0000]

I completely agree to it ! It is uncomfortable when someone requests you for a very specific content just to get fulfilled his fetish, when your intension is only to help people relax :(

[@DisTravelDuo]

yes! thank you for saying this. asmr has immensely helped me better deal with my chronic pain and insomnia. and i hate that ppl confuse the real asmr with sexual anything. i wish theys stop exploiting this great aid that is asmr

[@linaswardh]

Great explanation Deluca! I think this is such an important subject. As I am aware that many of the ASMRtists are getting those comments (including yourself) I think this video sow a seed. And I really hope that more people will get in touch with ASMR in it's right element, relaxation. I am so thankful for what this have done for me. And I recommend people I know to look it up. 😊 Thank you, Deluca, for every time (many, many times) you made me relaxed! 😁💤🌸

[@ddlewis9812]

for me i cannot have asmr without intimacy between asmrtist and clients .I do feel sad that for many people the only times they have experienced these feelings of connection and intimacy and sensation is whilst having sex and the prelude to it so they will instantly link the feelings and sensations a good asmrtist can evoke and see it as leaning towards being sexual,hopefully over time and as they see what true asmrtists can do they will learn that you can be deeply intimate with someone without the need to sexualize the sensations they are feeling .I do think there is a place for sexual asmr alongside vanilla asmr as you say everybody has different triggers etc .I only recently found another trigger and i did get the tingle ^_^ it was whilst watching your first ever video so i thank you for that , keep up the good work and i look forward to watching your new works

[@iquative]

I feel like this was made because of peak sexual comments on Deluca's videos. There is a difference between complimenting someone and sexualizing them..... thirsty, thirsty girls (and some guys).

[@stuartshelley18]

my first asmr experience was in the doctors surgery with the low voices and tapping of the keyboards

[@6AXL66]

Thank you for this video! A lot of people get the wrong idea of what ASMR is & end up sexualizing it. (Especially being inappropriate in the comment section) 🙏🏻

[@pjsvenska3338]

Thanks Deluca for posting this, it's been done before but needs repeating.

[@WillSans]

Excellent explanation. I particularly look for videos by igniting in relaxation, and even certain peace of mind. The videos help control anxiety and also to remain calm in some decision making. Excellent job!

[@kyroblanck]

Thanks for this vid, man! I've actually tried to share ASMR videos with some of my friends, but they don't understand them. I've tried to explain how a whisper, a simple sound, an image, or even a touch can make you feel as if millions of starts were forming the universe in your head. However, the only thing they see in the video is someone talking very weirdly, making ridiculous stuff in front of a camera. I just gave up, I stopped trying to share this experience with others. This video could, nevertheless, help them seeing (or understand, at least) what I feel. Again, thanks for this vid, mate! I've watched some other ASMR definitions / explanations before, but none of them explained the sexual side of it as well as you did. I hope people will open their minds, they are missing lots of different worlds due to a very simple, but sad thing: prejudice.

[@aracelib1]

HOME RUN! awesome and very true explanation. good video for beginner asmr fans who need a little more explaining. this should go around more since it's a very new finding and people tend to get confused or have wrong info. thank you will definitely share!!!

[@kaylani7736]

I completely get what you are saying. I think it's also relevant to point out that part of the sensual-style ASMR videos such as whispering boyfriend/girlfriend role plays can be very triggering for ASMR despite their semi sexual nature. That said, I don't qualify a video of a woman groping herself or a man's moans as he jacks off as ASMR. I think it has it's place, and I see no issue with someone supplying that sort of content for individuals to enjoy, however, I wish that the content creators would label it for what it is and not try to hide behind the guise of saying it is ASMR.

[@Stella393]

100% Agree with you. Some comments and people misinterpret the purpose of these kind of videos but i would say that some new creators also play with this confusion.... And at the end it's this image that people remember... That's sad cause they miss the benefits of ASmr as you said... Stop sexualising everything ugh

[@TheDragon7557]

Wow. First of all, I love your videos. The quality is great and they almost always triggers my tingles. It is sad this video had to be made, but I am glad you did. You pretty much said everything I've been telling people about ASMR and how it is not meant to be sexual. Thank you! That being said, could you do more medical role plays or more of your neat fantasy videos (like the one where you were wearing a mask and had the neat graphics of other ASMR artists that you pulled from the air, I know that is a terrible description of an awesome video, but I can't remember the title off-hand), please? Thanks for making ASMR videos. You help me sleep when my insomnia is terrible. Much love and keep up the great work!

[@billsfansj]

I guess I'm not bothered too much by what ppl do on their channels, what rubs me wrong is the feeling that some of the creators that fall in that category see us as a way to make money. I think most ASMR creators get into it because it helped them at some point & they want to try to return the favor to others.I also hate that the videos with a more sexual content are going to draw a crowd of ppl not here for what most of us come to ASMR for. they will leave the type of comments and harass creators, that may someday force our favorite artists to quit because it's no longer fun or worth the hassle.

[@jameskerherve7487]

Thank you for the opinion you made in your video. I find a definite distinction between the purpose of ASMR for me compared to a sexualized ASMR video. I'm not big on role play videos and really gravitate to sound content. Of course there are very attractive ASMR creators however I usually relax to asmr with headphones/eyes closed so the visuals of the video do not apply to me. I have a variety of creators of ASMR (man or woman) I really enjoy, I find the tone and the speach pattern of the creator is what really provides triggers for me and I almost don't notice the specific topic of the video. I really really appreciate the many creators out there who contribute to the ASMR community and hope negative comments can be simply overlooked. Creators really put themselves out here to provide a wonderful thing for asmr followers. Negative comments are just a part of posting an opinion or view on the internet so I hope they do not discourage creators from being creative. Thank you Deluca for your relaxing videos and this explanation on this topic.

[@rmlfilms123]

Very well explained. It does help me relax and I do get tingles in my head. You and Maria are my favourites. Whispering and tapping sounds do tend to make me close my eyes and want my bed :) That is what it does for me.

[@Davevel91]

So glad someone brought attention to this. To me it's not a problem that people find ASMR sexual. People are going to do what they're going to do. How they use ASMR videos is their business; all power to them. However I do wish they wouldn't leave so many nasty and overly explicit comments on the videos. I've been noticing it more and more lately, and the comments are getting worse every time. It just comes across as disrespectful to me. Personally, getting tingles from listening to someone whisper to me, or from certain sound triggers puts me in an automatic positive and centered mindset. That feeling gives me a sense of peace and helps me unwind from the stress of day to day life. I really do value ASMRtists for giving me access to the wonderful and unique experience of ASMR literally whenever I want, as it realistically is rare to find in every day life. I just wish more people would show more respect to the intentions of the community.

[@WhisperedSynthsASMR]

+David Thanks for sharing that David. I agree one of the main problems are some of the comments people leave on ASMR channels for everybody to see. My other issue is when newcomers search for ASMR videos to see what it is all about and the dirty ones show up first. So like you say, I have no problem how people choose to interpret these videos, but nobody wants disrespectful comments, and newcomers should not be exposed to the dirty stuff first.

[@richardcastro9591]

Very good video . I totally agree . I happen to stumble upon asmr videos by accident when I couldn't relax one evening and has helped me ever since . Really surprised that their isn't more recognition on it , in media or medical field . It a better alternative than pills I think .

[@ToastedEdibles]

This was a really well thought out and logical look at this issue. Great video!

[@rolirangel]

I applaud you....very good well said hopefully people can understand what asmr really is. I hope in the future there will be better understanding on this and how it helps many people because when I'm feeling stressed or worried about something asmr videos help relax and for get my worries. I thank you and all other asmr artist for doing what you do and that's relaxing and helping people fall asleep

[@alan__6453]

Please come back deluca! One of your videos was the first asmr video I ever saw, and no matter who I watch they cannot recreate the same asmr feelings that you do for me. I always end their vids halfway through and come back to one of your vids to help me sleep. You are the best for many different reasons

[@polyv4222]

When I listen to ASMR videos, I feel the muscles of my arms and legs tense and then relax besides the tingles, it's like a yoga session for me, that's why I love them so much.

[@jacobmills1657]

Well said Deluca :) you're easily one of my favourite youtubers in the asmr community.

[@MrASMRjordan]

I make and watch ASMR videos and the purpose is to relax the audience. Some of my favorite ASMR artists are men and I am straight. It's weird to me that anyone would get turned on by ASMR because it is not sexual to me at all. ASMR is for relaxation, meditation, and sleep. When I watch women ASMR artists I sometimes get distracted by their hotness but usually I'm in the mood to relax so I zone out of any sexual feelings and focus on the ASMR.

[@ivanrodriguezarenas8865]

Fine explanation Deluca, congratulations. Certainly i have been watching some channels that it appears not to look for relax, not to trigger your ASMR. This channels intention seems to look for erotic or sexual excitement. This is opossite to ASMRers intention. So if anyone ( with no ASMR feelings and no understanding of it ) watch these excitement channels, they probably mistake both and oposite intentions like the same thing. Finally, In my humble opinion, i think the solution to resolve this mistake is to explain people what is ASMR, like you make so well in this video.

[@glomerol8300]

Hi Deluca, good video and good rhetorical question about how what isn't sexualized these days anyway. One point I made with someone about the 'sexualization' of ASMR or possible confusion with ASMR as sexual was this: Being hugged or kissed is not necessarily sexual. Simple. Best.

[@crunkbucha4667]

YES I know i keep commenting this in your videos but I just love how you put in music from journey!

[@luzasmr]

Glad you made this video! You explained this very well :)

[@persgodiva]

Bien dicho. I completely agree. To me personally, ASMR has never in any way, shape or form be sexual. I understand that it's different for everyone but I would just hope that they would keep that to themselves, as it is not what ASMR is trying to do.

[@JordanCB1998]

ASMR seems Sexualised because whispering as a whole seems somewhat sensual.

[@mej6400]

I always Watch Asmr Videos for sleeping and relaxing and Not more 😊

[@whisperedstories]

Thank you for making this video! I agree with everything you said. I wish I could give this video 100 likes

[@luce_carden97]

Hungry Lips definitely comes to mind haha Great video Deluca!

[@fontes112]

I feel bad for people who don't feel ASMR... Great video

[@MsIchigo88]

Thanks Deluca for the videos I really enjoy them And they help me to go to sleep, it is way different than sexual arouse .. The triggers and feelings are different .. Some people may mix up both because again people are different and they respond differently to triggers ..besides there are different types of sounds used for ASMR triggers, if someone thinks whispering is sensual they can try listening to other things like tapping sounds

[@CorwinFound]

I think one problem with the confusion about whether or not ASMR is sexual is the difficulty people have in understanding sensuality separate from sexuality. Parents and children cuddling, getting a massage from a friend, even eating a really outstanding fudge sunday with extra sauce - these can all be very sensual... but not sexual. "Sensual: relating to the gratification of the senses." So yes, sex can be sensual, but many more things can be sensual without being sexual. Our strange society can't seem to deal with sensuality. Any and everything that feels physically good is described in sexual terms. ASMR feels good, even causes tingling, and *wham* now we have "braingasms". I have never felt any such thing. If I did, I'd watch even more ASMR videos I'm sure. lol

[@SensorAdiASMR]

I also talk about it

[@therannells3313]

Very interesting thoughts, and a great conversation to start having because the relationship (or lack thereof depending on the video) ASMR has to sexual arousal and romantic intimacy is very complicated. I agree with you in the sense that ASMR is not inherently sexual, but it is intended to trigger physical sensation and that people can easily interpret as sexual stimulation or associate with sensations they've experienced at physically intimate times. There is so much to sexuality and ASMR varies in the amount and type of content more and more as it's so rapidly growing in the KZbin community. I don't think it's fair to say that theres definitive difference between sensations felt in ASMR and physical arousal. ASMR is defined as "a calming, pleasurable feeling often accompanied by a tingling sensation. This tingle is said to originate in a person’s head and spread to the spine and limbs in response to stimulation." Both are stimulation and both release chemicals in your brain like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins so it's incorrect to say the two happen in different places of the body. They absolutely can stimulate different parts of the body as the triggers differentiate so much from person to person. So I'm not saying ASMR is inherently sexual or all arousal is ASMR because that's not right either. I personally don't have interest in the kidnapping roleplays or the "horror" type roleplays which are meant to provoke fear and sometimes arousal but I have no problem that people enjoy that, I just don't enjoy any physical reactions I get from fear. But fear and violence can also be sexualized and can also fit into the genre of ASMR. I do wholeheartedly agree though that if the intent of the creator's content is not sexual and they do not want to participate in that part of the ASMR world, it's very wrong and awful to sexually harass an artist who doesn't want that. But it is a form of art and the point of art is for it to be interpreted in many different ways and if they're not commenting sexual things to creators who don't want that, I don't think we should judge anyone for what response their body has to ASMR or what types of triggers they're stimulated by because no one can really help it or decide the way different types of stimulation are going to effect them or not effect them. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys or produces ASMR to go read some of the science behind it and the results of experiments done with ASMR since it started! There are some really fascinating findings and it's just really informative to find out more about why your body responds the way it does to different triggers.

[@leviguy01]

Glad someone finally raised this issue, very well said !!

[@FnCyco]

I agree with you and I feel that the content creator can make whatever they want. What I don't like is when I see rude sexual comments on a video. People just need to be mature.

[@joenormal6458]

I feel like this video would have helped when I first got into asmr because at first I was quite confused as to the point of it. Well said, and thank you for this video.

[@timothybeebe6382]

I find ASMR very important to me. It is good to turn off some of my depression triggers and unwind so I can fall asleep

[@ADubiousLittleCreature]

Thank you for finally bringing light to this!

[@casblanan]

Thank god this video has been made. Also, love your channel

[@tiptap5223]

I agree. Those certain types of videos shouldn't be called ASMR since the intent of the video is changed. Arousal and relaxation are opposing feelings, so if someone is being sexual then they are being counter productive to what ASMR is supposed to do.

[@asmrscrunchsoftingles]

thank you ,people really needed to see this....I love your videos by the way.