Joanna Łapińska, PhD

​My primary research interests revolve around the cultural and audiovisual phenomenon of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR), focusing on how it functions as a practice of intimacy, self-care, and sensory engagement in digital spaces. I explore how ASMR videos create multisensory experiences that challenge traditional understandings of media consumption and blur the lines between performer and audience. I also examine the role of affect theory in ASMR, particularly how sensory triggers evoke emotional and physical responses. Additionally, my research delves into the intersection of ASMR and posthumanism, where technology and the body interact in ways that redefine human experience and connection.

​

In addition to ASMR, I am deeply interested in the growing cultures of self-care and wellbeing, especially within media and popular culture. My work examines how media representations contribute to evolving narratives of health, self-care, and emotional wellbeing, with a specific focus on digital platforms that promote relaxation and personal care. I also investigate broader themes of carnality and intimacy, particularly in posthuman and science fiction contexts, where relationships between humans and machines are portrayed. These inquiries allow me to explore how media and technology influence contemporary understandings of the body, emotion, and holistic wellbeing in everyday life.