ASMR, New Addition to the Oxford Dictionary Argumentative Essay

Have you heard of ASMR? It is a relatively new word. According to the Oxford Dictionary, the definition of ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) is, “A feeling of well-being combined with a tingling sensation in the scalp and down the back of the neck, as experienced by some people in response to a specific gentle stimulus, often a particular sound” (Oxford Dictionary et  al. 2020). ASMR is a nice insertion to the dictionary because it has gotten so famous, it is utilized largely, and it satisfies a need for a word that portrays the vibe of a sound. 

For many reasons, ASMR is a wonderful addition to the dictionary. For starters,  it has become so famous. To illustrate, an article by Tanya Dua states, “A quick search of ASMR on YouTube yields more than 10 million results. The phenomenon has been referenced in TV shows including HBO's hit series, "High Maintenance," and it's been featured in prominent advertising campaigns worldwide” (Dua et al. 2019). The word is very popular and is being promoted across the globe. An article by  The Conversation states, “Interest in ASMR has exploded over the past ten years since the term was coined. What started as a short whispering video on YouTube in 2009 has since gone viral” (Poerio et al 2020). Because ASMR has become so famous, it belongs in the dictionary. 

Next, it is utilized largely. For example, an article by the New York Times proclaims, “Today the action of A.S.M.R. plays out almost exclusively on YouTube, where legions of creators release around 500 new videos each day” (Keiles et al. 2019). As informed in this article, the word ASMR is generally utilized. Another article states, “These videos, which have racked up millions of views online, are often used to usher sleep or relieve stress” (Kwong et al. 2019). I have watched ASMR videos in my personal experience. They do give off a stress relieving sensation. Because ASMR is used so much, it is a good addition to the dictionary. 

Finally, ASMR satisfies a need for a word that portrays the vibe of a sound. An article by Insider states, “A 2015 study on the effects of ASMR reported that 75 percent of participants felt a tingling when they heard people whispering. Some 64 percent felt the sensation when they heard "crisp sounds," such as fingernails tapping on a metallic surface,” (Dua et al. 2019). This informational report explains the science behind this ASMR feeling. Another example, “The tingling sensation comes in waves and is a “trance-like” immersive state accompanied by feelings of euphoria and relaxation,” (Poerio et al. 2020). Because ASMR satisfies a need for a word, it is a necessity to the dictionary.

ASMR is a decent addition to the dictionary. This is because it has become so popular, it is used to a great extent, and it fulfills a need for a word that depicts the vibe of a sound. This new word is a significant expansion to the dictionary and will be utilized many times to come.