Madrid, Spain – A recent study published in the journal Humanities and Social Sciences Communications explores the prevalence of sexualized content on Twitch.tv, a popular livestreaming platform with a daily viewership of 3 million. Researchers analyzed approximately 2,000 livestreams and discovered a concerning trend – women engage in self-sexualization more frequently and intensely than men, indicating a broader pattern of ‘pornification’ in digital content aimed at attracting audiences.
Traditional media research has extensively documented the sexualization of women and its implications. However, the interactive nature of platforms like Twitch.tv presents unique dynamics that require further exploration, particularly as these platforms become increasingly important for entertainment and social interactions.
Unlike traditional media controlled by external entities, Twitch.tv allows individuals to shape their online personas. This autonomy raises questions about the factors driving self-sexualization, including societal pressures, the pursuit of popularity, and economic incentives provided by the platform.
Lead study author, Kristel Anciones-Anguita, a professor at the University of Alcalá, expressed interest in exploring the sexualized culture on live streaming platforms such as Twitch.tv. The study aimed to investigate how this culture manifests based on the gender of the streamers and the potential implications for user perceptions, especially teenagers forming beliefs about sexuality.
The research team collected a sample of 1,920 video clips from Twitch.tv, focusing on popular categories like videogames and “In Real Life” (IRL). The analysis revealed a significant gender disparity in self-sexualization, with female streamers engaging in self-sexualization to a much greater extent and intensity than male streamers.
Female streamers were more likely to wear revealing clothing, focus the camera on their bodies, and exhibit seductive behaviors, while male streamers tended to focus on gaming or non-sexualized content. The study also identified category-specific trends, noting higher levels of sexualization in categories like ASMR and “Pools, Hot Tubs & Beaches.”
The findings raise concerns about the pressures and incentives that drive self-sexualization on digital platforms like Twitch.tv and its potential impact on audience perceptions of gender and sexuality. Anciones-Anguita emphasized the need for platforms and policymakers to address these challenges, especially considering the implications of self-sexualization on sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
While the study provides valuable insights, it acknowledges limitations regarding its focus on specific Twitch.tv categories. Future research could explore trends over time, include less popular streamers, or employ mixed methods to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the platform’s impact on both streamers and viewers.
Anciones-Anguita expressed a long-term goal of deepening the understanding of how online sexualized culture influences adolescent behaviors and creating healthier online communities. The study, titled “Sexualized culture on livestreaming platforms: a content analysis of Twitch.tv,” was authored by Kristel Anciones-Anguita and Mirian Checa-Romero.