Impact of Vibrotactile Triggers on Mental Well-Being through ASMR Experience in VR

TL;DR

This study investigates how vibrotactile feedback in VR can enhance ASMR experiences, leading to increased relaxation and comfort, which could improve mental well-being support methods.

Contribution

It introduces the use of tactile feedback in VR to trigger ASMR sensations, a novel approach compared to traditional visual and audio methods.

Findings

Vibrotactile feedback increases likelihood of ASMR tingling

Tactile triggers enhance relaxation and comfort

VR tactile stimulation improves ASMR experience

Abstract

Watching Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) videos is a popular approach to support mental well-being, as the triggered ASMR tingling sensation supports de-stressing and regulating emotions. Therefore, there is increasing research on how to efficiently trigger ASMR tingling sensation. Tactile sensation remains unexplored because current popular ASMR approaches focus on the visual and audio channels. In this study, we explored the impact of tactile feedback on triggering ASMR tingling sensation in a Virtual Reality (VR) environment. Through two experimental studies, we investigated the relaxation effect of a tactile-enabled ASMR experience, as well as the impact of vibrotactile triggers on the ASMR experience. Our results showed that vibrotactile feedback is effective in increasing the likelihood of ASMR tingling sensation and enhancing the feeling of comfort, relaxation, and enjoyment.