# Impact of Sound and Image Features in ASMR on Emotional and Physiological Responses
## 1 Introduction  
In the modern digital era, the widespread use of electronic devices has fundamentally transformed media consumption patterns, allowing individuals to access music and video content at any time and place [1]. This shift has led to an increased reliance on electronic devices for listening to music or watching videos while engaging in various activities such as sleeping, commuting, working, or studying [2]. As a result, there is a growing interest in various forms of media that can regulate psychological and physiological states. Among these, autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) videos, which are designed to elicit specific emotional responses, have gained considerable attention. ASMR is typically characterized by a tingling sensation that begins in the scalp and extends down the back of the neck and upper spine, often triggered by specific auditory and visual stimuli. Since the emergence of ASMR content in the early 2010s, researchon its mental and physical effects has been ongoing. Most studies have concluded that ASMR elicits various positive emotional responses, such as relaxation, comfort, and a sense of well-being [3,4]. Reflecting these findings, millions of users have sought out ASMR videos to enhance relaxation and positive emotional states, contributing to their rapid growth on platforms like YouTube [5,6]. Furthermore, advancements in high-resolution audio and video technologies have enhanced the ASMR experience, further increasing its significance [3]. As a result, this underscores the need for a thorough understanding of its emotional and physiological impacts. Research on the effects of ASMR on emotional states has primarily focused on its potential to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. The most widely documented emotional impact of ASMR is relaxation, with the primary argument being that it helps alleviate both stress and anxiety [2,7]. Additionally, studies have shown that ASMR enhances positive emotions, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic tool by reducing depression through the promotion of positive emotional states [4,8,9]. On the physiological side, ASMR's effects have been examined primarily through brain activity and cardiovascular responses. Neuroscientific research indicates that ASMR stimuli activate regions such as the frontal lobe and amygdala, which are associated with attention, relaxation, and emotional processing [10,11]. Furthermore, ASMR has been found to influence specific brain wave frequencies, particularly alpha waves, supporting the claim that ASMR induces relaxation and positive emotional experiences [11,12]. Additional research suggests that theta and beta waves may also be influenced by ASMR, suggesting a potential relationship not only with relaxation but also with arousal and focused attention [8]. Studies on heart rate variability (HRV) have further demonstrated that ASMR significantly reduces heart rate, reinforcing its relaxation effect [8,13,14]. Although the majority of studies have shown that ASMR's emotional and physiological effects induce relaxation and positive emotional states, a challenge remains due to the variability of results. The effects can differ based on the specific ASMR stimuli selected by researchers. Establishing a clearer definition of ASMR's stimulus characteristics is crucial to fully understanding its emotional and physiological impacts. However, research on these specific segmented features remains limited. This study aims to analyze the emotional and physiological responses related to relaxation and positivity, as influenced by the sound and image characteristics of ASMR content. Previous studies [4,8,13] have indicated that ASMR videos can promote positive emotions and relaxation, suggesting that ASMR typically elicits these emotional states. Based on this, we hypothesized that while ASMR generally induces positive emotions and relaxation, the intensity of these effects may vary depending on the physical properties of the stimuli.