In the past half a decade or so, a certain brand of videos has become an incredibly popular subgenre in certain corners of the internet. On Instagram, Snapchat, Tiktok and Reddit, there are entire accounts dedicated to posting content that is “oddly satisfying.” The pages usually post videos of anonymous hands playing with slime, cutting soap and sand, and pretty much anything sensory or tactile in nature.

The original poster to coin the phrase was a Reddit user who started the page r/oddlysatisfying. Since the page was founded in 2013, it has gained millions of subscribers and inspired the creation of similar pages. One unexpected activity that has made its way into the world of weirdly satisfying content is caulking.

Why is Caulking Deemed Oddly Satisfying?

Caulking with silicone sealant fits the criteria of these types of videos for a few reasons. It is a tactile activity that resembles other popular videos like piping out frosting or paint. Another reason that it qualifies is because a good caulk job usually requires a steady hand and smooth lines.

For those with perfectionist tendencies or anxiety about cleanliness, quality caulking can mean the difference between a clean space and one without insulation, one with poor aesthetics, or at worse, one with black mold. Silicone sealant is the go-to fix to avoid these common home worries.

Possible Psychology Explanations

The psychology and neuroscience behind watching oddly satisfying content is partially disputed. One possible explanation behind the phenomenon is that the mirror neurons in a person’s brain cause an effect of feeling like they are performing the satisfying action themself. When you watch a person perform an action like caulking, it may register in your brain that you are sharing the experience and can partially feel their satisfaction.

More possible explanations include mood management theory and appreciation for things like beauty and symmetry. According to mood management theory, repeatedly watching forms of media that either relax us/distract us from negative emotions or ones that give us positive feelings results in a psychological association with good moods. Finally, the human brain may have evolved over time to appreciate observing beautiful, symmetrical things. 

To calm your nerves and concentrate on positive emotions, don’t just watch satisfying clips on the internet. Participate in the activity yourself by purchasing some silicone sealant and caulking your windows, showers, and sinks in need. Browse our selection of products and find the right sealant for the job.