Playing and popping slime: What is this latest craze all about?

Teenagers all over the world seems to be onto a new craze: Playing with slime or watching others play with slime online. 

So what is this craze even about?

Apparently, one of the thrills about playing with slime is the popping noise it makes when you stab it with your fingers. As weird as it sounds, it got us giggling too, wondering why it would have such an effect?

Well it seems, there is a scientific explanation behind the obsession as well. 

News and entertainment website Fusion explained that the appeal of watching these videos rests on the somatic desire to touch or feel the slime in the video as you watch it - a feeling that is scientifically known as Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, or ASMR for short.

The desire apparently sends a tingling sensation from the scalp to the spine and sometimes even to the limbs, therefore resulting in a flush of euphoria. 

As such, numerous Instagram accounts dedicated entirely to slime videos have surfaced. And the hashtag #slime alone, carries close to 700,000 posts. 

Who would have thought these gooey, colourful blobs would hold any, if not some sort of entertainment for people?

Fusion believes that this craze originated in Thailand and Indonesia as the slime obsession is often times referred to as "Thai Slime" on social media. 

And what's more, the trend has made its way to Singapore too. 

For just a couple of dollars you'll be able to purchase any kind of slime on local mobile marketplace app, Carousell or even ship it online to your doorstep via Amazon. 

You'd be amazed at just how many types of slime are available online. There's galaxy slime, oreo slime, glitter slime, glow-in-the dark slime, rainbow slime and even extra stretchy slime. 

But if you're feeling crafty, you could even try making your own slime by watching tutorials on YouTube.

There's even a Singapore edition YouTube video on how to make your own slime at home. 

With a mixture of household items like facial cleanser, contact lens solution and water glue, glitter and food colouring, you'd be able to create any slime you like.

mldas@sph.com.sg