“Live” Together with You: Livestream Views Mitigate the Effects of Loneliness on Well-being

ABSTRACT

Most social networking sites today have integrated livestreaming functions into their platforms. Studies have acknowledged how social media use (i.e., social networking) can mitigate the effects of loneliness, but due attention has yet to be given to the consumption of livestream content. Using national survey data in Singapore (N = 1,606), this study demonstrates that livestream viewing positively influences individuals’ well-being. Notably, the frequency of livestream viewing moderates the negative effects of loneliness on the viewers’ psychological, social, and emotional well-being. Livestream viewing can be a short-term interventive solution to mitigate the effects of loneliness.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Zhang Hao Goh

Zhang Hao Goh is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He does research on internet usage and well-being

Edson C. Tandoc

Edson C. Tandoc Jr. is an Associate Professor at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He specializes in digital journalism studies and does research on the issue of fake news.

Bin Ng

Bin Ng is a Psychology and Philosophy undergraduate at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. His research lies in abnormal psychology, ethics, as well as the philosophy of science and technology.