2023-07-12 08:31:00
Oddly Satisfying Videos: The Psychological Reason Behind Their Popularity
Have you ever found yourself inexplicably drawn to watching videos of things being destroyed or pimples being popped? You’re not alone. These types of videos, often categorized as “Oddly Satisfying,” have gained immense popularity and have millions of views across various platforms. But why do these seemingly unattractive videos have such a relaxing effect on the audience?
The phenomenon of “Oddly Satisfying” videos can be attributed to the “mirror neuron theory,” which triggers a neurological response in viewers. It makes them feel as if they are engaging in the actions depicted in the videos themselves. This provides viewers with a thrilling experience while also offering a sense of relief.
On the internet, there is an abundance of video content to choose from, including funny clips and cute pet videos, which can bring joy and alleviate feelings of loneliness. However, alongside these videos are clips that involve breaking things or popping pimples. Despite their unattractive nature, these videos can strangely uplift viewers. Many people find themselves losing track of time while watching, as an hour can pass by unnoticed.
This phenomenon is not exclusive to Thailand; it occurs worldwide. Video clips of things being destroyed, for example, ranked among the top 10 most-viewed videos on TikTok in 2022. Additionally, the YouTube channel “Pee Kung Press Acne,” known for its acne-squeezing content, has acquired nearly 400,000 followers and numerous videos with over a million views. The question arises as to why people enjoy watching these clips, even though they may not be visually appealing. The answer lies in the psychological realm.
Strange Satisfaction:
The term “Oddly Satisfying” or “Strange Satisfaction” gained popularity in 2017 when videos of slime squeezing and soap cutting became a sensation. These videos depicted various acts, including destroying objects from great heights, driving over things, and using hydraulic machines. Additionally, squeezing pimples, cutting ingrown toenails, and removing parasites from living beings became part of this category. The underlying reason for their immense popularity lies in their ability to relax and provide a sense of satisfaction to the audience.
Some people even use clips of playing with slime or cutting soap as a kind of “sleeping pill” to help them sleep better. Oddly Satisfying videos are part of the Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) phenomenon, which refers to sounds that induce a feeling of calmness, safety, and relaxation.
Dr. Anita Deek, a researcher at the University of Pecs in Hungary, explains that the soothing effect of these videos is attributed to the mirror neuron theory. These neurons in the brain produce a neurological response that makes the viewer feel as if they are personally engaging in the actions depicted in the videos. However, not everyone may have the same response to these videos, as individual experiences and responses can vary.
Disgusting Enjoyment:
When it comes to videos of squeezing pimples, there is a surprising psychological aspect at play. The brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with happiness, when the act of squeezing pimples is observed. This leads to a sense of relief, both physically and mentally. The brain and body enjoy the feeling of releasing pressure, making it difficult to resist watching these videos, especially when a prominent pimple appears. Neuroscientist Asst. Prof. Heather Berlin compares watching pimple-popping videos to watching horror movies or going on roller coaster rides, as they offer both a thrilling experience and a sense of relief simultaneously.
Furthermore, the body releases adrenaline when viewing numerous pimples, generating feelings of excitement and alertness. The act of squeezing out a pimple then releases dopamine, providing a feeling of relaxation and happiness. These concepts can also be applied to videos involving the act of throwing things, evoking similar physiological responses.
According to Diana Fleishman, a clinical sexologist and senior lecturer at the University of Portsmouth, humans enjoy watching pimple popping and parasite removal videos due to biological mechanisms. Throughout evolution, humans have been exposed to exogenous parasites, such as flies, lice, and ticks, which created a need for humans to take care of each other to avoid these parasites. Therefore, witnessing their removal brings relief and happiness.
Another possible reason for the popularity of such videos is humans’ innate fascination with unpleasant and disgusting things. According to psychologists, negative emotions can elicit a specific longing in humans. In contexts where those negative things cannot harm or endanger individuals, experiencing them can be quite pleasurable. Watching these clips provides a safe way to experience unpleasant sensations without putting oneself at risk.
The immense popularity of “Oddly Satisfying” videos can be attributed to the psychological factors at play, such as the mirror neuron theory, the release of dopamine, and the human fascination with unpleasant things. Regardless of the reasons behind their appeal, these videos continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Sources: Bustle, Calmsage, Discover Magazine, Paper Magazine, The Wired
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