The act of slow living in popular ASMR videos / Nazima Versay Kudus

The term ASMR, which is short for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, was invented by Jeniffer Allen in 2010 (Marcin, 2022). Since then, its popularity on numerous internet platforms has continued to rise. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ASMR videos gained popularity as people sought stress relief, comfort and entertainment amidst increased anxiety and isolation (Buckley, 2022). ASMR videos featuring activities like manicures and pedicures, carpet cleaning, ear wax removal, lawn mowing as well as fruit and vegetable canning typically focus on creating relaxing auditory and visual experiences for viewers. Creators employ gentle movements, subtle sounds, and closeup visuals to simulate these activities, triggering a soothing response in viewers who enjoy the ASMR sensation. Personally, I am a fan of ASMR videos, particularly those from Muslim Farmville and Honeyjubu. Observing them engaging in everyday activities like house chores that some might deem mundane, becomes not only interesting but also therapeutic. One common theme in these videos is the promotion of slow living. According to the Slow Living Blog (2023), slow living is a mindful approach to life, emphasising a purposeful and intentional lifestyle aligned with personal values. Instead of pursuing speed, slow living promotes quality over quantity. Additionally, it prioritises the wellbeing and environmental sustainability.