School of Communication and Culture

My PhD project investigates the technologically-mediated phenomenon ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response), a physiological sensory reaction most commonly described as “a tingling, static-like sensation” (Barratt & Davis, 2015). However, ASMR is also the name of a socially embedded and digital phenomenon on YouTube dedicated to creating videos with auditory (and visual) stimuli in order to make the listeners/viewers ‘tingle’, relax and feel at ease.

As a media scholar, I am interested in how the intended bodily intertwinement with technology serves certain goals in regard to ASMR; enabling telepresence, digital intimacy, and para-sociality. However, I am also interested in investigating whether or not technology can be said to help or hinder what ASMR is allegedly good for; helping people who are struggling with e.g. loneliness, insomnia, anxiety, depression, stress, migraine, chronic pain, and PTSD.

My main research question is: “How do users perceive and make use of ASMR as a mediated phenomenon?” I am thus mainly focused on the users of the ASMR videos and their perceptions of and experience with ASMR as a sensory, social and cultural phenomenon.

Part of:

• The research programme Cultural Transformations
• The research programme Media, Communication and Society
• Centre for Sound Studies
• Centre for Internet Studies
• The research group Affect and the Body
• The research group Participatory Culture
• The research group Fandom and Celebrity Culture

Member of the PhD Committee at Arts (2019-current)

Innovation Ambassador for Science for Society, AU (2019-current)

Editor at MedieKultur: Journal of media and communication research (2019-current)

Editor at SoundEffects: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Sound and Sound Experience (2018-2019)