by Ayanah Dowdye, Contributing Author
Introduction
Twitch is a popular live-streaming platform primarily focused on gaming, where users can watch and interact with streamers in real-time. While it’s known for gaming, it also features streams on music, art, and other creative content. Teens are using Twitch to connect with their favorite gamers, watch live gameplay, and participate in chat communities. Twitch streamers, who create the content, can be famous, with millions of followers who may or may not donate money to their content creation. The platform offers opportunities to learn gaming strategies, discover new games, and even build social connections around shared interests. Beyond entertainment, teens can learn about content creation, digital communication, and the dynamics of online communities. The appeal for teens lies in its interactive nature with the Twitch streamers and the ability to access viewership of video games they may not have access to.
Relevant Videos
Kai Cenat: #1 Gamer of 2023: click here
Female Streamers: click here
What is Twitch: click here
How to talk to kids about it
Who is your favorite streamer: Ask your kids about who their favorite twitch streamers are and why - it can help start a conversation around gaming and some of the underlying reasons why your child feels connected to gaming
Do your kids stream: Ask your child if they would like to stream themselves, and if yes, what kind of games would they stream. It can give insight to the different types of games that tend to capture their attention
Are there dangers: Ask your kids if anyone has ever gotten in trouble for streaming. If they haven’t, what would a twitch streamer get in trouble for?
Pros and Cons
Pros
Developing an interest in a hobby
Becoming part of a community
Seeing how other gamers manage moderation
Cons
Can be influenced to donate money
Increased screen time
Develop an unhealthy relationship with idealizing a lifestyle
Other relevant stuff
Twitch Landing page: Stream | Twitch.tv
Common Sense Media: Twitch Website Review | Common Sense Media
Wikipedia: Twitch (service) - Wikipedia
Elselvier: Science Direct: Beyond the Game: Understanding why people enjoy viewing Twitch - ScienceDirect
Nature: Monetization in online streaming platforms: an exploration of inequalities in Twitch.tv | Scientific Reports
Frontiers: Live Streams on Twitch Help Viewers Cope With Difficult Periods in Life
PubMed: How live stream content types impact viewers’ support behaviors? Mediational analysis on psychological and social gratifications - PMC
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