How Video Streamers’ Mental Health Disclosures Affect Viewers’ Risk Perceptions

Lee, Yu Hao; Yuan, Chien Wen (Tina); Wohn, Donghee Yvette

doi:10.1080/10410236.2020.1808405

Cited by 33 publications

(39 citation statements)

References 48 publications

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“…There is no apparent research on game-specific microcelebrities and their influence on physical activity and diet behaviour for EAs, despite the growth of this sector in recent years [ 5 ]. Microcelebrities are social media users who amass large followings through the personal content that they share [ 4 ]. Game-specific microcelebrities use streaming platforms such as Twitch to stream their gameplay live to audiences that can reach into the millions.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Online games range from simple single-player games to large virtual worlds featuring thousands of players at once [ 3 ]. Despite these considerable usage statistics, online games and associated channels, such as streaming and eSports, are not regularly used in health communication [ 4 ]. These channels have, however, become a part of advertising and marketing strategies for technology, lifestyle and food brands wanting to engage EAs [ 5 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Where Do Online Games Fit into the Health Behaviour Ecology of Emerging Adults: A Scoping Review

Micallef¹,

Brennan²,

Parker³

et al. 2021

Nutrients

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Online video games are a common pastime for emerging adults (EAs). EAs are an age group that is of interest in health communication because habits formed during this life stage can cause or prevent disease later in life. Guided by three research questions, this scoping review identifies the current state of research into socio-ecological influences on physical activity and diet behaviours of EAs. The review also examines the role that online video games play within this behavioural ecology. In total, 112 articles were found that focused on behavioural ecological influences for physical activity and diet behaviour among EAs. Seven of these articles focused on the impact of online video games, although only in conjunction with their influence on physical activity, identifying a gap in understanding the influence of online games on diet. Results show that online video games are currently under-researched in terms of impacts on physical activity and diet despite the prevalence of the use of these games within the EA cohort.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Where Do Online Games Fit into the Health Behaviour Ecology of Emerging Adults: A Scoping Review

Micallef¹,

Brennan²,

Parker³

et al. 2021

Nutrients

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“…Finally, as streamers spread awareness about mental health during and separate from their gameplay, some viewers are more careful of how they choose to respond to comments surrounding mental health, which is also demonstrated in Lee et al (2020) . They are more understanding of how their words will be perceived to others and ensure their message is not wrongly received.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…When public figures discuss their personal health issues, there is an increase in internet searches on mental health issues, subsequently spreading awareness of these issues among their followers ( Lee et al, 2020 ). Robinson (2019) also found that discussions surrounding mental health on Twitch.tv were becoming less toxic and more frequent and positive, with one microcelebrity hosting a “Twitch Therapy” stream among their usual gaming streams.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Exploration of Mental Health Discussions in Live Streaming Gaming Communities

et al. 2021

Self Cite

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Live streaming is a unique form of media that creates a direct line of interaction between streamers and viewers. While previous research has explored the social motivations of those who stream and watch streams in the gaming community, there is a lack of research that investigates intimate self-disclosure in this context, such as discussing sensitive topics like mental health on platforms such as Twitch.tv. This study aims to explore discussions about mental health in gaming live streams to better understand how people perceive discussions of mental health in this new media context. The context of live streaming is particularly interesting as it facilitates social interactions that are masspersonal in nature: the streamer broadcasts to a larger, mostly unknown audience, but can also interact in a personal way with viewers. In this study, we interviewed Twitch viewers about the streamers they view, how and to what extent they discuss mental health on their channels in relation to gaming, how other viewers reacted to these discussions, and what they think about live streams, gaming-focused or otherwise, as a medium for mental health discussions. Through these interviews, our team was able to establish a baseline of user perception of mental health in gaming communities on Twitch that extends our understanding of how social media and live streaming can be used for mental health conversations. Our first research question unraveled that mental health discussions happen in a variety of ways on Twitch, including during gaming streams, Just Chatting talks, and through the stream chat. Our second research question showed that streamers handle mental health conversations on their channels in a variety of ways. These depend on how they have built their channel, which subsequently impacts how viewers perceive mental health. Lastly, we learned that viewers’ reactions to mental health discussions depend on their motivations for watching the stream such as learning about the game, being entertained, and more. We found that more discussions about mental health on Twitch led to some viewers being more cautious when talking about mental health to show understanding.

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“…Microcelebrities disclosing their mental illnesses, for example, can educate their followers on the prevalence and risk of mental illnesses [5] and can do so while they broadcast their content or by supporting mental health organizations through charity streams [7,10]. Streamers that talked about mental health on stream are read as more authentic by viewers [5]. Those who used their platform to discuss the topic has led to their viewers discussing it more frequently and in a positive light [9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

How a Live Streamer's Choice in Played Game Affects Mental Health Conversations

LaMastra

Uttarapong

Gandhi

et al. 2020

Extended Abstracts of the 2020 Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play

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As more viewers become interested in watching authentic personalities as opposed to artificial, crafted performances, Twitch streamers have begun to discuss personal issues such as mental health to form a closer bond with their community. This paper seeks to further explore how a live streamer's choice in game affects their viewers' perception of their stream's content. We interviewed 24 Twitch viewers and found that the pace of the game a streamer chooses to stream is a key factor in what viewers expect to see during the stream. These expectations at least partially determine whether viewers want to hear conversations about mental health. CCS CONCEPTS • Human-centered computing → Human computer interaction (HCI).

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How Video Streamers’ Mental Health Disclosures Affect Viewers’ Risk Perceptions

Cited by 33 publications

References 48 publications

Where Do Online Games Fit into the Health Behaviour Ecology of Emerging Adults: A Scoping Review

Where Do Online Games Fit into the Health Behaviour Ecology of Emerging Adults: A Scoping Review

An Exploration of Mental Health Discussions in Live Streaming Gaming Communities

How a Live Streamer's Choice in Played Game Affects Mental Health Conversations

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