Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, or more commonly referred to as ASMR is defined by Wikipedia as a “neologism for a perceptual phenomenon characterized as a distinct, pleasurable tingling sensation in the head, scalp, back, or peripheral regions of the body in response to visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, or cognitive stimuli.” In other words, exposure to certain stimuli like the sound of whispering or watching someone brush their hair triggers a blissful almost trance-like feeling.
Many of these triggers are visual or auditory in nature and as such, Pornhub has video content specifically intended to bring on this “brain orgasm” in viewers. Over the past 18 months ASMR searches have increased 1085% on Pornhub, perhaps in part due to the considerable amount of media attention the phenomenon has received within the same time period.