He is socializing with an East European group. Therefore, as based on your suggestions, he is already taking the steps. The problem, is when you are taking the right steps, and you get a bad hit like that, that could feel discouraging. Therefore, copes are a solution get a temporary relief, and continue the course of doing the right things.I get that you use ASMR as a coping mechanism as it provides temporary relief. However, relying on external sources for validation might not address the root of the issue. It’s great that that you measure how you cope, but for OP and for yourself, building genuine confidence and social skills will have a more lasting impact than watching ASMR. Eventually, both will realize how insignificant hugs really are in the grand scheme of things.
Instead of depending on these distractions, what if OP focused on real-life interactions? Engaging in activities that boost his self-esteem, like finding an identity through fitness, hobbies, and socializing, could really help him in the long run. What steps do you think he could take to start making those changes?
Again, same issue can happen at fitness. If you go to the GYM, and then have a bad approach with a woman at the GYM, end up having to cancel your GYM membership and go to another GYM then that could be an issue there. Same thing with hobbies. Whatever actifvities you find yourself doing, if there are women involved in the activities, then there is a potential to feel bad.
Like take my example, I go to work to learn a "living" (it's steady pay at least, just not enough with the inflation, etc...), and that is the right thing to do. But as there are women also going to work, and working at different capacities in the organization, then there is a potential to misinterpret things and feel bad for yourself as well.
At the end of the day, engaging in activities does not shield you from women or social dyanamics involving women. If you can't handle it, then you have to find ways of coping with it until it doesn't bother you anymore. With me, it might be certain types of videos or playlists. With others it might be something else.