Why Do Some People Hate ASMR And Is It A Sensory Preference Thing

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) has gained widespread popularity over the past decade, with millions of people tuning in to whispering, tapping, crinkling, and roleplay videos for relaxation, focus, and even sleep aid. Yet, despite its growing appeal, a significant number of individuals report strong aversion—some even describe feeling irritated, anxious, or physically uncomfortable when exposed to ASMR content. Why do some people hate ASMR? Is it simply a matter of taste, or does it stem from deeper neurological and sensory mechanisms?

The answer lies at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and individual sensory processing. While ASMR can feel like a soothing wave of tingles for some, for others, it may trigger misophonia-like reactions, cognitive dissonance, or sensory overload. Understanding this divide requires exploring how our brains process sound, touch, and social cues—and why not everyone’s neural circuitry responds the same way.

The Science Behind ASMR: What Happens in the Brain?

ASMR is characterized by a pleasurable tingling sensation that typically begins in the scalp and moves down the spine. Functional MRI studies suggest that during ASMR experiences, areas of the brain associated with reward, emotional regulation, and social bonding become active. These include the medial prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and regions involved in empathy and affiliative behavior.

Researchers believe ASMR may mimic the calming effects of close personal attention—such as someone gently brushing your hair, whispering in your ear, or giving you a medical examination. This could explain why soft-spoken voices, slow hand movements, and methodical actions are common triggers. The brain interprets these stimuli as non-threatening and nurturing, leading to a parasympathetic nervous system response: lowered heart rate, reduced cortisol levels, and increased feelings of safety.

However, not all brains interpret these signals the same way. For those who dislike ASMR, the same stimuli may be perceived as intrusive, overly intimate, or cognitively jarring. Instead of triggering relaxation, they activate regions associated with alertness, discomfort, or even disgust.

“ASMR isn’t universally relaxing because human neurology isn’t uniform. What feels comforting to one person might feel violating or absurd to another.” — Dr. Giulia Poerio, Cognitive Psychologist, University of Essex

Sensory Processing Differences: The Core of the Divide

A key factor in why some people hate ASMR is individual variation in sensory processing. Humans fall along a spectrum of sensory sensitivity, influenced by genetics, neurodevelopment, and life experience. Some people are highly sensitive to auditory, tactile, or visual input—a trait often seen in individuals with high-functioning autism, ADHD, or anxiety disorders.

For these individuals, the quiet whispers, repetitive tapping, or sudden mouth sounds common in ASMR videos can be overwhelming. Their nervous systems may interpret these stimuli as potential threats rather than comforts. This is similar to misophonia, a condition where certain sounds—like chewing, breathing, or pen clicking—trigger intense emotional reactions such as anger or panic.

In fact, recent research suggests a possible overlap between misophonia and negative responses to ASMR. A 2021 study published in *Scientific Reports* found that people who reported strong dislikes for ASMR were more likely to also report sensitivity to everyday sounds. This indicates that aversion may not be about the content itself, but about how the brain filters and assigns meaning to specific auditory cues.

Tip: If ASMR makes you feel uneasy, don’t force yourself to watch it. Your reaction is valid and likely tied to your unique sensory profile.

Pscyhological and Social Factors Influencing Dislike

Beyond biology, psychological and cultural factors play a role in shaping attitudes toward ASMR. Some people find the intimacy of ASMR videos unsettling because they simulate one-on-one interactions without real reciprocity. The performer speaks directly to the viewer, often using second-person language (“I’m going to check your ears now”), which can feel emotionally manipulative or awkwardly personal.

Others associate ASMR with online performance culture or perceive it as artificial or “creepy,” especially when combined with roleplays involving spa treatments, haircuts, or medical exams. These associations can trigger skepticism or discomfort, particularly in viewers who value authenticity or have difficulty with imagined intimacy.

Additionally, gender dynamics may influence perception. Many ASMR creators are women using soft voices and gentle mannerisms—traits culturally coded as passive or submissive. For some viewers, this reinforces stereotypes they find uncomfortable or outdated, coloring their entire experience of the content.

Common Psychological Triggers of ASMR Discomfort

• Perceived artificiality: Feeling that the creator is being overly performative or insincere.
• Violation of social norms: Close-up eye contact, whispering, or simulated touch can feel boundary-crossing.
• Cognitive dissonance: The contrast between adult performers engaging in childlike soothing behaviors may feel incongruent.
• Sexualization concerns: Despite most creators emphasizing non-sexual intent, some viewers interpret ASMR as having erotic undertones.

Neurological Mismatch: When Brains Don’t Sync with ASMR Triggers

Not everyone experiences ASMR, and not everyone hates it—some people simply feel nothing at all. Studies estimate that only about 50–70% of the population reports experiencing positive sensations from ASMR. This suggests a neurological predisposition rather than a learned preference.

One theory is that ASMR responsiveness depends on connectivity between brain regions involved in self-awareness, touch perception, and emotional reward. People whose brains naturally link auditory cues with tactile imagery (a form of synesthesia-like processing) may be more likely to \"feel\" sounds, making them prime candidates for ASMR enjoyment.

Conversely, those with weaker cross-modal integration may fail to make the connection between sound and sensation. To them, whispering into a microphone lacks context or meaning—it’s just someone speaking quietly, perhaps unnaturally so. Without the internal resonance, the experience falls flat or feels irritating.

Factor	Linked to Enjoyment	Linked to Dislike
Sensory Sensitivity	Moderate-to-high (calming)	Very high (overstimulation)
Empathy Levels	Higher (connection felt)	Lower (no emotional pull)
Misophonia Traits	Absent	Present (sound-triggered irritation)
Openness to Experience	High (curious, receptive)	Low (skeptical, dismissive)
Brain Connectivity	Strong audio-tactile links	Weaker cross-modal integration

Real Example: A Case of Sensory Overload

Consider Mark, a 34-year-old software developer diagnosed with mild auditory processing sensitivity. He decided to try ASMR after hearing coworkers praise its stress-relief benefits. He clicked on a popular video featuring gentle page-turning and whispered affirmations. Within seconds, he felt a rising sense of agitation. The soft rustling sounded exaggerated. The whisper felt invasive, like someone breathing too closely. His shoulders tensed, and he quickly turned it off.

“It wasn’t relaxing at all,” Mark said. “It was like being stuck in a library with someone who wouldn’t stop shushing me. I felt trapped.”

For Mark, the issue wasn’t the concept of relaxation—it was the mismatch between the stimuli and his brain’s interpretation. Where others hear comfort, he hears intrusion. His experience underscores that ASMR aversion isn’t about being “closed-minded” but about neurological alignment—or lack thereof.

How to Navigate ASMR Discomfort: A Practical Checklist

If you’re someone who dislikes ASMR but wants to understand your reaction or explore alternatives, consider the following steps:

• Reflect on your sensory history: Have certain sounds always bothered you? Do loud or repetitive noises cause stress?
• Distinguish between dislike and overstimulation: Are you annoyed, or do you feel physically tense or anxious?
• Try alternative relaxation methods: Meditation, binaural beats, nature sounds, or white noise may offer similar benefits without triggering discomfort.
• Avoid forcing exposure: Repeated attempts to “get used to” ASMR can increase aversion due to negative reinforcement.
• Communicate your preferences: If friends or partners enjoy ASMR, explain your reaction without judgment—it’s not personal.

Tip: Use noise-canceling headphones with neutral ambient sound if you're in an environment where ASMR is playing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can disliking ASMR be a sign of a disorder?

No, disliking ASMR is not a disorder. It’s a normal variation in sensory and emotional processing. However, if certain sounds provoke extreme anger or panic, it may be worth exploring whether misophonia or hyperacusis is present. These conditions can benefit from professional assessment.

Is there a way to learn to like ASMR if I currently hate it?

While some people report gradually warming up to ASMR after repeated exposure, others never develop a taste for it—and that’s okay. Trying to force a response can lead to frustration. Focus instead on finding relaxation techniques that align with your sensory preferences.

Are certain types of ASMR less likely to cause discomfort?

Yes. Instrumental ASMR—such as tapping on wood, metal, or glass—may be less personally intrusive than vocal or roleplay-based content. Nature-themed videos with light rain or rustling leaves might also be more universally palatable. Experiment cautiously with low-volume playback to test tolerance.

Respecting Diverse Sensory Experiences

The polarized reactions to ASMR highlight a broader truth: human perception is deeply subjective. What brings deep calm to one person may unsettle another, not due to flaws in character or understanding, but because of genuine differences in brain function and sensory wiring.

Rather than viewing ASMR as a universal remedy or dismissing it as nonsense, we should recognize it as one node on a wide spectrum of sensory experiences. Just as some people love spicy food while others avoid it, or some thrive in crowded spaces while others need solitude, responses to ASMR reflect individual neurology—not right or wrong ways to experience the world.

Understanding this fosters empathy. It allows ASMR enthusiasts to share their favorite videos without pressure, and those who dislike it to opt out without shame. In a world increasingly aware of neurodiversity, honoring sensory differences is not just kind—it’s essential.

“We need to move beyond ‘you’ll like it if you try’ and acknowledge that some experiences simply don’t resonate across brains. That doesn’t make them invalid.” — Dr. Nick Davis, Researcher in Auditory Perception, Manchester Metropolitan University

Final Thoughts: Embracing Sensory Diversity

So, why do some people hate ASMR? The answer is multifaceted: it involves sensory processing styles, brain connectivity patterns, psychological associations, and personal boundaries. For many, it’s not about hating relaxation—it’s about rejecting a specific format of it that doesn’t align with their internal wiring.

ASMR isn’t broken, and neither are those who dislike it. They’re simply different. And in a society that often pushes one-size-fits-all solutions for stress and sleep, recognizing this difference is empowering.

💬 Have you experienced strong reactions—positive or negative—to ASMR? Share your story in the comments. Your perspective helps deepen our collective understanding of how sound, touch, and emotion intertwine in unexpected ways.