Live streaming (直播) is booming, with viewers watching nearly 4 billion hours of live stream, in the gaming sector alone, in 2020.
To stream or not to stream—that is the question with over 50 million American online creators. With over seven-in-ten people in the US using social media such as YouNow, Facebook Live, YouTube Live and Twitch, sharing a moment, routine, or an exciting experience with others has never been easier for US streamers.
For some, the motivation to live stream is for the fun of it, while others are seeking to become the next celebrity (名人).
Back in 2016, researchers studied live streams originating from the US, Japan and Germany on the platforms YouNow, Periscope and UStream. They found a wide variety of motivations driving each streamer, with a large majority using live streaming services for their own entertainment.
The main motive of US streamers was to reach a specific target group, for example, by performing music. Their goal was to improve their personal image and to cultivate their fan base. On the other hand, socializing was the main motivation for Japanese streamers. The need to communicate with their audience was especially strong. Finally, German streamers’ primary motivations were to relieve their boredom. And they’re not alone. Boredom was also a strong motivator found in both American and Japanese streamers back in 2016. Simply put, many people turned to live streaming to help pass the time and to relieve their boredom.
And then there’s a new type of live streaming where streamers don’t perform for, interact or even communicate with their viewers. Instead, the live stream broadcasts uninterrupted everyday activities such as sleeping and studying. Streamers position their cameras on their beds and go to sleep. In February 2020, Chinese streamer YuanSan broadcast his 2-day “sleep-stream” which, to his surprise, attracted 18 million viewers. In an interview, YuanSan claimed that his motivation was to relieve his boredom. “I was so bored that I decided to live stream myself sleeping. What I discovered was that viewers on the internet were even more bored than I was.”
12. What makes it easier for US streamers to share online?
A.The fast network connections. | B.Streamers’ desire for fame. |
C.People’s need for entertainment. | D.The huge number of online viewers. |
13. Why do most people want to live stream in 2016?
A.To enjoy themselves. | B.To make money. |
C.To make friends. | D.To be famous. |
14. What is Paragraph 5 mainly about?
A.Various ways of streaming. | B.Positive influences of streaming. |
C.Great achievements of streamers. | D.Different motivations of streamers. |
15. Which of the following statements could YuanSan agree with?
A.It is boring to stream online. | B.Streaming can improve his sleep. |
C.Streaming can help relieve boredom. | D.It is important to communicate with viewers. |