Why can’t we be friends (with streamers)
Content creators and streamers’ perception of parasocial relationships and audience management
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7146/mk.v40i78.136534Keywords:
Live-streaming, Parasocial Relationships, Influencers, Mental HealthAbstract
Parasocial relationships (PSR) have been viewed and defined as one-sided relationships between a viewer and a media figure. However, recent literature has suggested that advances in computer mediated communication on social media and live-streaming sites have complicated the traditional definition. This manuscript investigates not only the complexity of how PSR have evolved in the area of live-streaming, but also how streamers categorize and handle the relationships within their community. Using in-depth semistructured interviews with Twitch affiliate and partnered streamers, this manuscript argues that streamers have found that their communities have PSR with them during live-streams and on social media. Streamers cited PSR but also issues such as privacy concerns, audience disclosure of personal mental health concerns, and toxicity within their streams. This manuscript is not only able to investigate PSR from the side of the streamer, but also to further understand PSR and the evolution of the definition.
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