Gaming Meets Streaming: Positive Perceptions and Negative Consequences
Did you know that players with a potential problematic use of video games are more toxic? A 2022 study found that “... a link was found between potential problematic use and inappropriate or even aggressive behaviour in video game live streaming services" [1]. But why is that? In this episode, we'll take a look at the connection between playing video games, watching streams, and the potential problematic side of it.
• "It seems that a more positive perception of the uses of video games leads to more time spent gaming and less time viewing; for this reason, it is associated with lower chances of developing problematic use." [1]
• The motivation to follow tournaments, events, streamers, or specific games is the strongest to influence player's watch time.
• "Third, a significant relationship was found between gaming time and viewing time..." [1] Play more watch more?
• If you have a problem with gaming, you tend to be more toxic in Twitch chat.
• Positive perceptions of gaming on gaming time is stronger for women.
❌ Gaming x Streaming
Platforms like Twitch have turned the dream of watching others play, learn from them, and feel connected to a community into reality. They allow players and viewers to engage with video games in a different way. "However, there is an ongoing debate about a dangerous flipside linked to the problematic use of the internet, video games and other forms of broadcasting similar to YouTube." [1]
As more and more people do both—game and watch streams—the question arises what the joint effects of both activities are on the potential problematic use of video games?
🕹️ Positive Perceptions and Negative Consequences
The authors asked players about their positive perceptions of video games such as "Your video game hobby helps you make new friends" or "Your video game hobby helps develop your skills and abilities". Not surprisingly, those who had a positive view (perception) of gaming spent more time playing, and showed signs of potential problematic use.
"It seems that a more positive perception of the uses of video games leads to more time spent gaming and less time viewing; for this reason, it is associated with lower chances of developing problematic use." [1]
The reason for that was pointed out in a 2019 study, "users who perceive positive effects of playing video games are more likely to develop negative behaviour through the time spent playing video games... since they would prioritize a more intense use of the former activity over the latter [1]." In other words, gaming is more addictive than watching someone play and hence, those who play a lot likely have a problematic use of video games.
⌛ Motivation & Viewing Time
A second result the study found was that how much time players spend watching gaming streams were motivated by their need for entertainment, to socialize, and to follow tournaments, events, streamers, or specific games. Interestingly, the latter motivation had the biggest influence. This finding makes sense too. If you have a favorite streamer to watch or closely follow the LoL, CS2, DotA... esports scene, you probably watch when he or a tournament is live.
"Nor do we find evidence of a relationship between users’ feelings of belonging and their viewing time..." [1]
This finding is a bit surprising to me. Apparently, the feeling of belonging to a community of your favorite streamer or game's esports scene is not a motivation for players to watch. Basically, you don't turn in because you want to connect with other gamers.
"Third, a significant relationship was found between gaming time and viewing time..." [1]
Although players appear to prefer gaming over watching because it is more engaging, the more they game the more they also tent to watch. Do they have more time at their hands for both? Or, what I also suspect, they do both at the same time (you know, you can have two monitors connected to your computer 🤯 I know, crazy right?).
🧌 Problematic Use Makes You a Twitch Chat Troll
"Additionally, a link was found between potential problematic use and inappropriate or even aggressive behaviour in video game live streaming services..." [1]
For me, this is the most striking finding of the entire study. Let that sink in: if you have a problem with gaming, you tend to be more toxic in Twitch chat. This includes hurtful comments to other users in Twitch chat and also trolling.
Lastly, the study also revealed some differences between men and women. First, the motivation to socialize has a greater impact on how much women watch streams. Second, positive perceptions of gaming on gaming time is stronger for women. That's a bit weird. Women tent to play more when they think there are positive aspects about gaming. Right now, I have no idea why this may be the case. The authors of the study also didn't give any reason to why this may be. And third, "both positive perceptions and aggressiveness are more intense among the younger individuals [1]." I guess that was kinda expected, right?
Read ya next Sunday,
Christian 😄
