Having the slime of your life

Never in a million years would anyone expect a slippery, slimy, gooey concoction to take the Internet by storm.

What has been widely iconised since 1988 as a significant part of Nickelodeon’s Kid’s Choice Awards, slime used to take the form of a thick and sticky green liquid.

However, modern slime takes the form of a more viscous and elaborate jelly-like substance, a sticky substance with a texture not quite liquid, but not quite solid either.

So what is it about slime that makes it such a hit now – even among older youths?

“I know it’s weird coming from a 20-year-old, but there’s something about slime that’s so addictive. The texture and colours drew me in, but the sound it makes – that’s what really entices me,” said Ngee Ann Polytechnic graduate Rachael Yow, who always keeps a blob of slime next to her while working on her laptop.

Many youths like Rachael are attracted to how slime creates an autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR). ASMR is a term used to describe a ‘brain orgasm’, a physical sensation characterised by a calming, non-sexual pleasure.

Hundreds of ASMR slime videos can be found on YouTube, and even Instagram shops selling slime tap on how the ASMR effect helps alleviate stress and anxiety issues to market their slime.

Slime can be easily purchased in physical stores or online, much like the popular fidget spinners and kendamas. But what makes this trend different from the others is how you can DIY your own slime – and customise it however you want to.

“Glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution are all you need to make your own stretchy slime. All the ingredients are available at supermarkets, and it’s so easy to make; just mix everything together,” said Fazilah Nazir, 20, a Ngee Ann Polytechnic student.

Pursuing a diploma in Early Childhood education, Fazilah first discovered slime while researching for a student engagement activity. It ended up becoming her go-to object during times of stress, and she even held slime-making sessions with her students.

Not surprisingly, many young entrepreneurs are making the most out of this craze to create and sell their own slime.

“It’s quite easy to make, and after adding a bit of colour and sparkle, it’ll capture the attention of potential buyers. I don’t make a lot of profit, but I’m making money out of my hobby so I’m happy,” said Danielle Legaspi Vergara, the 10-year-old owner of online store Slimefication.sg.

Starting the business at the age 9, Danielle had a lot of support from her family. Her older sister, Christine, 17, helped her start an Instagram account for her products, while her mother funded the initial rental cost for a locker at Toy Outpost so Danielle could sell her slime in a physical store.

“Coming out with $50 a month for the locker rental is a small amount when compared to the experience she gets from running her own business. I want her to continue making the most out of what she loves; it’s a good habit to cultivate for her future,” said Danielle’s mother, Rogelita Vergara, 47.

Calming fun or even a money making gimmick, let’s hope that this trend doesn’t goo away any time soon.