Of late, a curious trend has flooded social media feeds: videos of people whispering, gently tapping objects, and most notably, consuming food with an intense, almost meditative focus on the resulting sounds. This practice is known as ASMR eating, a subset of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) content specifically designed to trigger a calming, tingling sensation in viewers. While often dismissed as a bizarre internet fad, a growing body of anecdotal evidence and preliminary research suggests that engaging with this sensory experience may offer tangible benefits, from reducing anxiety and alleviating insomnia to combating feelings of loneliness and even aiding digestion. This article will explore the intriguing world of “mukbang” and ASMR eating videos and investigate the potential health advantages hidden within these captivating sounds.
Health Benefits of ASMR Eating
1. Reduces Stress and Induces Relaxation
ASMR eating videos are widely appreciated for their calming effects, helping viewers unwind and manage daily stress. The repetitive nature of chewing and slurping triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting physiological relaxation. (1) ASMR exposure is linked to reductions in heart rate and anxiety markers. (2) Neuroimaging suggests involvement of the prefrontal cortex and reward pathways during ASMR responses. Users also report feelings of mental relief and decompression. These effects make ASMR eating a popular self-soothing tool.
2. Improves Sleep Quality
ASMR eating videos are widely used to improve sleep, with viewers reporting faster sleep onset and enhanced restfulness. The soft chewing and rhythmic food sounds create a meditative ambiance that helps calm the mind. Research shows ASMR significantly reduces physiological arousal, preparing the body for sleep. (1) It activates brain regions linked to sleep regulation and reduces anxiety, a major sleep barrier. (2) Studies also link ASMR with melatonin release (Smith et al., 2019), and anecdotal surveys confirm its integration into sleep hygiene routines.
3. Stimulates Appetite in Low-Eating Populations
ASMR eating videos, characterized by close-up auditory experiences of chewing and slurping, have been found to activate brain reward centers, potentially boosting appetite in individuals with low food intake. This effect stems from the vicarious eating satisfaction people report while watching such content, mimicking sensory gratification without actual consumption. (3) These sounds can evoke cravings by triggering nostalgic and primal feeding instincts. (4) The phenomenon, often called “Mukbang ASMR,” simulates shared meals, inducing emotional satisfaction. (5) However, it may also present risks of disordered eating behavior in vulnerable groups. (6) Despite potential downsides, it remains a compelling therapeutic strategy for appetite stimulation when monitored responsibly. (3)
4. Provides Emotional Comfort and Companionship
ASMR eating videos can foster feelings of comfort, calmness, and companionship, particularly in those experiencing loneliness or anxiety. The tingling sensation induced by ASMR activates oxytocin and endorphin release, enhancing emotional well-being and bonding. (7) This sensory reaction promotes parasympathetic nervous system engagement, aiding relaxation. (8) Mukbang ASMR specifically mimics social eating, alleviating isolation through virtual mealtime experiences. (5) Neurologically, ASMR viewers show reduced heart rates and increased relaxation. (9) Collectively, ASMR eating serves as a non-verbal social surrogate, offering emotional support during meals. (10)
5. Helps in Appetite Stimulation
Watching ASMR eating videos, often featuring exaggerated chewing sounds and vivid visual cues, has been shown to stimulate appetite by triggering sensory and cognitive responses associated with food consumption. Studies suggest that mukbang-style ASMR content can increase food cravings by activating anticipatory eating cues in the brain. ASMR-induced audiovisual stimuli heighten salivation and desire to eat, even among individuals with low appetite. Further, relaxing sensory effects from ASMR can emotionally comfort viewers, thereby enhancing appetite indirectly. (11) Research also indicates these videos improve eating behavior among those with food intake challenges. (12) Finally, satisfaction from food-related sounds helps modulate hunger hormones and increase food enjoyment. (13)
6. Enhances Mindfulness
ASMR eating enhances mindfulness by fostering deep sensory attention during food consumption. Viewers often report heightened awareness of textures, sounds, and flavors, which are key elements of mindful eating. This attentional shift promotes non-judgmental presence, a core mindfulness trait. ASMR induces calming parasympathetic responses, aiding emotional regulation during meals.
ASMR Eating vs. Traditional Mindful Eating
| Aspect | ASMR Eating | Traditional Mindful Eating |
| Sensory Focus | Emphasizes auditory and visual stimuli (e.g., chewing sounds, food textures) | Focuses on internal bodily sensations (taste, satiety, texture, smell) |
| Setting | Often passive and screen-based (watching others eat) | Active and experiential (individual eats their own meal mindfully) |
| Purpose | Entertainment, relaxation, appetite stimulation | Cultivation of awareness, gratitude, and improved relationship with food |
| Emotional Response | Triggers calming or euphoric sensations (ASMR tingles) | Enhances emotional regulation and reduces impulsivity during eating |
| Cognitive Engagement | Low to moderate (spectator role, focus on sensory gratification) | High (requires focused attention, reflection on eating experience) |
| Eating Behavior Impact | May encourage food craving or vicarious satisfaction | Encourages healthier eating patterns and portion control |
| Interactivity | Passive consumption of media | Active involvement in personal eating process |
| Health Application | Potential for appetite stimulation in patients with low desire to eat | Used in therapy for eating disorders, obesity, and stress-related eating issues |
Side effects of ASMR eating
1. Sensory Overload and Irritation
ASMR eating can unintentionally cause sensory overload and irritation, especially in individuals sensitive to auditory stimuli. Intense chewing or slurping sounds may provoke anxiety or discomfort in those with sensory processing conditions like misophonia. Research shows that overstimulation disrupts relaxation and triggers neural stress responses. Such adverse effects are more prevalent among neurodivergent populations.
2. Increased Appetite and Cravings
ASMR eating content can heighten appetite by activating visual and auditory food cues, even in the absence of hunger. Studies show that exposure to eating sounds stimulates reward pathways in the brain, increasing cravings. This effect is particularly strong in individuals with restrained eating behaviors and may contribute to impulsive snacking.
3. Disrupted Mindful Eating
Pairing ASMR eating with meals can impair mindful eating by diverting attention from internal hunger cues. Research links distracted eating to decreased satiety recognition and overeating. The passive nature of ASMR may promote automatic eating behaviors. Long-term, this disruption weakens self-regulation and nutritional awareness.
4. Emotional Dependence
Frequent reliance on ASMR eating for comfort may lead to emotional dependence. Instead of addressing stressors directly, users may develop passive coping habits that delay emotional processing. Research links such patterns to diminished psychological resilience. Over time, habitual use may mask underlying issues like anxiety or loneliness.
5. Sleep Disturbances
Late-night ASMR eating sessions can disrupt sleep quality due to screen exposure and sensory stimulation. Blue light from devices suppresses melatonin, delaying sleep onset. Additionally, intense auditory input may keep the brain alert rather than relaxed. Poor sleep hygiene from media use is a growing concern in digital well-being studies.
Conclusion
ASMR eating is a unique fusion of sensory stimulation and digital content that continues to captivate viewers around the world. While it may seem like a simple trend, its calming sounds and immersive experiences offer real mental and emotional health benefits, including stress relief, better sleep, and enhanced mindfulness. However, like any form of media, moderation and personal awareness are key. For some, it can be soothing and enjoyable, while for others, it may trigger discomfort or unhealthy habits. By understanding both its benefits and potential drawbacks, individuals can make informed choices about incorporating ASMR eating into their wellness routine.