ASMR — short for autonomous sensory meridian response — is a physical sensation that has dominated a corner of the internet for the best part of a decade. It has a dedicated following, with more than 14 million monthly searches on YouTube, and has launched entire careers, where digital creators ever so gently release ASMR-inducing content — soap-cutting, slime-kneading and whispered role play all fall under the perplexing genre — in the hopes of gaining loyal viewers.
