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It may seem strange, but millions of TikTok users are tuning in to watch videos of a viral trend where bottles and jars filled with drinks or food are rolled down steps before shattering.

It seems to be the pinnacle of content for those who enjoy Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) triggers. You ever see those influencers going up real close to their microphones to create spine-tingling whisper-y sounds? Yup, that ASMR.

Just one search of the hashtag #ASMR brings up hundreds of thousands of diverse takes on this strange modern phenomenon and you’ll notice that many of the clips now feature a growing fascination with rolling bottles.

ASMR is typically characterised by a tingling sensation that often starts in the scalp and travels down the spine. While these videos typically engage multiple senses, it’s primarily the auditory aspect—such as the gentle, low-frequency sounds—that triggers ASMR experiences for fans of the vibes.

Watching the compilation below, you’ll find that the whole smashing bottle trend is indeed oddly intriguing.

But what is actually happening when we get the pleasant heebie jeebies from this kind of content?

Researchers are now actively studying ASMR in psychology laboratories in order to uncover the neural mechanisms underlying these sensations. Techniques like electroencephalography (EEG) allow scientists to measure the brain’s electrical activity and observe how it changes in response to ASMR-inducing stimuli. The brain’s electrical activity can vary in frequency, reflecting different states of relaxation and alertness.

EEG measurements taken during ASMR-inducing video consumption reveal intriguing patterns. These particular videos correspond to a reduction in higher-frequency brain activity and an increase in lower-frequency brain activity. Impressively, these lower-frequency activity levels persisted for up to 45 minutes after watching ASMR videos, suggesting a lasting impact on relaxation for ASMR-prone viewers. So long-term ‘zen’ gains from relatively short engagement that millions seem to now be benefitting from via TikTok

Research also indicates that individuals prone to ASMR might also experience anxiety and that these kinds of clips have the potential to alleviate it. However, bottle-smashing videos aren’t universally soothing.

Some viewers experience stress or sensory overwhelm, which can range from mild irritation to intense rage. Hyperacusis, a condition where everyday sounds are perceived as painfully loud, might contribute to these negative responses.

Additionally, some individuals suffer from misophonia, an aversion to specific sounds that trigger intense emotional or physiological reactions like anger. So, don’t worry, you’re not a ‘weirdo’ if the smashing bottles don’t do it for you.

While the bottle-smashing trend may be enjoyed by many social media users, it can also introduce a range of non-auditory discomforts, such as stress from waiting for the moment of impact or distress over the wastage of contents. I’m still on the fence as to whether I feel relaxed seeing the roly-poly bottle or whether the promise of crashing glass fills me with tension… Maybe I’ll watch just a couple hundred more just to make sure.

While I try to suss out this strange phenomenon, it’s clear that our auditory experiences are unique to the individual; the same sound that induces relaxation in one person might evoke anger in another.

Does it do anything for you?

[source:news24]