충북대학교신문방송사

The number of people using tactile stimulation toys to relieve stress and improve concentration is increasing. Although they may seem like simple toys, many people in their 20s and 30s use them to relieve academic or work-related stress. These toys have rapidly spread through social media such as Instagram and TikTok, becoming a popular trend. A variety of tactile stimulation toys has been introduced through short-form videos—including reviews, demonstration, and DIY content. This trend made them easily accessible through online shopping sites, stationery stores, and other retail shops. As more people search for quick and simple ways to relieve stress and enhance concentration in their busy daily lives, tactile stimulation toys have emerged as a convenient and light tool for relaxation that can be used anytime and anywhere.

Finding Rest in a Chewy Texture: The Popularity of Squishy

Squishies originated from stress balls, which were used to relieve muscle tension and aid exercise. Over time, they have gained huge popularity as they have a lot of designs with a wide range of textures, shapes, and scents.

Malibu(Jeonju, 24), an office worker who also runs the squishy review channel on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, said, “I first got squishies at a stationery store three years ago. I have always liked products like slime or clay that I can play with using my hands, but those materials tend to harden over time and are difficult to store. In contrast, squishies can be used for a relatively long time and they come in a wide variety of shapes and textures, which makes collecting them fun. That is how I started making videos as a hobby.” She added, “In the early days of my channel, I mainly uploaded unboxing videos introducing various squishies. Now, I create ASMR videos that highlight the appeal of squishies by focusing on their crunchy, sticky, and dense textures and sounds. I hope my videos can provide a small moment of relaxation in which viewers can forget everything, even if just for a while. These days, I feel relaxed while watching my own videos as well.”

Malibu shared, “Working at a company often brings challenges, and when things do not go smoothly, I feel stressed or frustrated. In those moments, playing with a squishy helps me calm down. I especially enjoy crunchy squishies—their sound lets me step away from the stress, even if only for a moment.”

She added, “In the past, I used my phone to clear my mind, but I realized how much time it consumed. Now, I turn to squishies instead. Like staring at fire without thinking, I watch, feel, and listen to the squishy. Little by little, it helps me reset and clear my thoughts.”

Squishies have evolved from simple toys into tools for relaxation. Malibu noted, “The types of squishies people enjoy keep changing with trends. Lately, the most popular ones are wax-filled balls, handmade squishies, crunchy squishies, and slangi—a mix of slime and squishy.” What these have in common is their chewy texture and crunchy sound. I think their appeal is that I can enjoy both the tactile sensation and the sound at the same time. She added, “My channel has a wide range of viewers, from teenagers to people in their 40s. Some share my videos with their friends and enjoy them together. Moreover, there are comments on my videos such as ‘I have tried this squishy, too,’ or ‘This squishy feels like this,’ while recommending products or sharing their own experiences. It has become a kind of community where people share their preferences.” She noted that squishy content is expanding into a form of shared culture.

Immersion Through Sound and Repetition: The Clicker Craze

However, some people feel reluctant to use squishies because of their rubber-like smell. Lee Han-na(Dept. of Environmental & Biological Chemistry, 23) said, “Although squishies are popular these days, I sometimes hesitate to use them because of their characteristic rubber smell. Instead, I use a clicker, which has no odor and provides both tactile and auditory stimulation.”

Like squishies, clickers are also a type of tactile stimulation toy that has recently gained popularity. A clicker is a toy that repeatedly gives tactile and auditory stimulation to the user when its button is pressed. The “clicking” sound with repetitive motion induces the user’s attention and promotes concentration. In addition, the internal switch types—such as blue, red, and brown switches—offer different sounds and keypress sensations, allowing users to choose according to their personal preferences. While early versions were simple structures based on pressing a keycap, clickers are now sold in a variety of designs, including turtle, four-leaf clover, and pudding shapes.

Lee explained why she first purchased clickers, saying, “When I went to Busan with my friends, I visited a shop where I could customize a clicker to my preference. I found it appealing that I could choose cute parts according to my taste. Eventually, I decided to go for it, thinking I was making a one-of-a-kind keyring. While making our own clicker keyrings together, we even compared whose design was the best, and it became a memorable experience.” She added, “I usually use a clicker during spare moments—like waiting for the bus or unwinding while watching YouTube. As I focus on the clicking sound and the tactile feel, distracting thoughts fade and a gentle calm sets in. It has also become a habit whenever my hands feel idle.”

Min So-hyun(Cheongju, 23) shared, “I use my bed clicker almost all the time, except in class. I attached it to my earphone case, and I reach for it whenever I feel stressed or cannot concentrate while studying. Whether I am walking near home, sitting in a cafe, or just spacing out—anywhere silence is not required—I automatically press the clicker. Before, I used to touch my hair in those moments, but now I focus on the clicking sound and sensation instead.”

She also reflected on its growing popularity; “At first, people around me were not interested, but after seeing me use it often, they gradually became curious, and my friends started buying them too. I think more people are drawn to clickers because they can be customized with different colors and characters, and the simple clicking sound has an addictive charm.”

A Reporter’s Experience: Different Effects of Squishy and Clicker

A CBT reporter also used squishies and clickers for a week, from March 16 to 23, in various situations such as resting, studying, and commuting.

In the case of squishies, their effects were most noticeable during breaks. By focusing on the texture and sound while playing with them, the reporter felt more deeply relaxed even in a short period of time. This refreshed state made it easier to move on to the next task. The reporter tried two types of squishies—one with texture like a marshmallow and another with hundreds of small beads. Depending on the materials and internal components, each product provided a distinct tactile experience, making repeated use less monotonous and continuously engaging. They could also be pressed, stretched, and manipulated in various ways, offering diverse forms of sensory stimulation.

Clickers stood out as being more useful while studying. When the reporter struggled to recall a formula or theory, repeatedly pressing the clicker and focusing on the sound and tactile feedback sometimes helped organize thoughts and bring back forgotten information. However, there were also moments when attention shifted from the book to the clicker itself, leading to distraction. Therefore, it would be important to use it properly in that it may divert attention, depending on how and when it is used.

In fact, a study conducted at the Pennsylvania State University in 2015 found that hand stimulation can be effective in reducing cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. Tactile stimulation toys are also meaningful in that they offer an analog form of relaxation, allowing users to focus on touch and sound rather than relying on digital media such as smartphones. This trend reflects a new cultural pattern among modern people finding their own ways to rest and maintain focus.

By Kim Ye-kyeong

ykk623315@chungbuk.ac.kr