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Twitch culture sometimes absolutely scares the shit out of me.
I've had a few convos in recent days about the prevalence of 'Emotional Dumping' in streams, and I think it's a real (and potentially frightening) issue.
I'm gonna do my best to collect my thoughts in this thread:
I've had a few convos in recent days about the prevalence of 'Emotional Dumping' in streams, and I think it's a real (and potentially frightening) issue.
I'm gonna do my best to collect my thoughts in this thread:
Let me preface all of this by saying I totally understand that streams can be a sole social outlet for people. I am not attempting to discount that in any way.
BUT, It's incredibly important to remember that Twitch is an entertainment platform, and not a mental health service.
BUT, It's incredibly important to remember that Twitch is an entertainment platform, and not a mental health service.
I see so many completely unqualified people on Streams pushing mental health advocacy while having little to no idea what that actually means.
Their approach is to stream, let viewers emotionally vent and dump onto them, and while it's noble, it compounds the greater issue.
Their approach is to stream, let viewers emotionally vent and dump onto them, and while it's noble, it compounds the greater issue.
It sets a precedent that it's part of what Streamers are there for, and it absolutely shouldn't be unless they have tangible abilities to provide actual help.
The second part of the issue is that most streamers genuinely really care about their audience.
I know I do.
The second part of the issue is that most streamers genuinely really care about their audience.
I know I do.
If someone comes in and is upset, my instinct is to help, as I'm sure it is for most. That's being a good human. In the economy of scale of livestreaming though, it isn't sustainable, and it's a door that once opened, is incredibly difficult to close without feeling cold hearted.
In the context of my own stream, I'm there to have a good time and share that with people.
I work a full time job, I raise kids, I spend what little spare time I have streaming for fun.
I'm not emotionally equipped to take on any more than that.
I imagine most streamers aren't
I work a full time job, I raise kids, I spend what little spare time I have streaming for fun.
I'm not emotionally equipped to take on any more than that.
I imagine most streamers aren't
I also have no training in or understanding of mental health issues outside of my own battles, and while that may be applicable to a viewer, it also may be exactly what they don't need to hear.
I have no way of knowing, and that scares the shit out of me.
I have no way of knowing, and that scares the shit out of me.
I don't know if I've made my point here or not. I guess I'll see what you all glean from it and we can absolutely discuss, but if there's bullet points to take away from this I'd suggest they are the following:
Streamers love their audience and genuinely care.
We aren't mental health professionals, and can't support you in that way without training to do so.
We want to help you get through your day by sharing a laugh, a love of games and a sense of community.
We want you to be happy.
We aren't mental health professionals, and can't support you in that way without training to do so.
We want to help you get through your day by sharing a laugh, a love of games and a sense of community.
We want you to be happy.
