And I think not only the streamers, but the platform could be taking steps to prevent the amount of unhealthy parasocial relationships that get reinforced in those situations, and lead to people not getting the help they need and workers being affected by people sharing really grim shit with them, when they don't have the training to deal with it.
Of course, fighting parasocial relationships is bad for engagement and therefore business, so it's never gonna happen
you're exactly right about twitch as a company reinforcing parasocial relationships for engagement. what would twitch be if not for the paid friend aspect? public access television, most likely
And I think not only the streamers, but the platform could be taking steps to prevent the amount of unhealthy parasocial relationships that get reinforced in those situations, and lead to people not getting the help they need and workers being affected by people sharing really grim shit with them, when they don't have the training to deal with it.
Of course, fighting parasocial relationships is bad for engagement and therefore business, so it's never gonna happen
you're exactly right about twitch as a company reinforcing parasocial relationships for engagement. what would twitch be if not for the paid friend aspect? public access television, most likely