It’s popping: Why is bubble wrap so satisfying?

There’s no resisting the sound when our hands get on to attack some bubble wrap. It’s addictive and satisfying for anyone and everyone who wants an excuse to fidget with some bubble wrap. You get your hands on it and before you even think about it – Pop! Pop! Pop! But why? Asked and answered!

The history

Bubble wrap was invented in 1957 by two engineers, Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes, in Hawthorne, New Jersey. Initially, it was intended to be a form of wallpaper, but that failed. Later it was used as greenhouse insulation, and by 1961, it was marketed for protective usage.

Bubble wrap has a reputation for auditory satisfaction.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The science behind the psychology

Fidgety fingers: We love dealing with bubble wrap because of an inherent tendency to fidget with whatever’s in our hand. It’s similar to how we click the back of our ballpoint pen, shake our legs when we sit, play with a stress ball, or crack our knuckles. All the things mentioned here are all various forms of fidgeting.

Helping with attention span: Fidgeting is often seen as a distraction, it actually helps in increasing attention span, and with the retention of information. In fact, a study revealed that people felt a lot more alert after popping bubble wrap. But, students, if you’re gonna think of popping bubble wrap in class, here’s a word of advice – DON’T!

Wired thinking: Some experts also say that the love for popping bubble wrap is because our brain is just wired that way.

Aiding anxiety: Popping bubble wrap also aids in tackling stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that the brain receives feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin after one pops bubble wrap. It also gives you the opportunity to focus on something mindless. Maybe that’s why it feels so good.

Bubble wrap is also used popularly in ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) videos. Because for some people, the sound sends a tingling sensation in the body, thereby adding to the experience.

Bubble wrap also can be used in arts and crafts.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images/iStockphoto

Each pop is an experience on its own, even though it’s just something simple. There’s a playful, childlike joy, making it ageless fun. All in all, bubble wrap is proof that some of the best things in life are sometimes, the most oddly perfect.