Twitch Addiction: Are kids addicted to streaming platforms?

Over the past decade, streaming platforms have become the preferred method of watching videos, TV shows and movies. What started out with Blockbuster and Redbox has now turned into limitless streaming content available at the touch of a finger. Twitch is the latest streaming service that has exploded in popularity among young people, with new live streaming content and users on a daily basis. 

Kids and young adults 16-24 are some of the largest Twitch user groups, and their constant consumption of these live streams makes them particularly vulnerable to becoming addicted to Twitch. Let’s explore more about Twitch, the signs of Twitch addiction and what treatment is available for your child or someone you know. 

What is Twitch?

Twitch is an American video live-streaming service that is primarily used to live-stream video game play. This type of streaming was originally coined “Lifecasting” by Justin Kan, who created the concept in 2011. Twitch has now expanded beyond video game streaming and now hosts channels for things like politics, cooking and travel. Twitch allows people to watch live content and engage in real-time about common interests with others. 

How popular is Twitch? 

Twitch started out as Justin.TV in 2011, but quickly grew once Kan decided to let other subscribers create channels and live-stream their own lives. Amazon acquired Twitch in 2014 for $1 billion. In 2015 Twitch had 1.5 million broadcasters and 100 million monthly views. Today in 2024, Twitch has grown to 30 million daily views and 7.1 million broadcasters per month. 

In 2023, 24.1 billion hours of Twitch were watched worldwide. In the second quarter of 2024, Twitch streaming hours came in at 5.1 billion, compared to YouTube that can in less than half of that at 2 billion hours watched during the same timeframe. There are some Twitch streamers that rise far above the average content interaction. The most-followed Twitch account belongs to Ninja, with a whopping 19.1 million followers. Auronplay comes in next at 16.4 million followers. Certain video games have large streaming followings as well, the most popular being League of Legends at 67 billion views in 2023. 

Can someone get addicted to Twitch?

It can be easy for someone to become addicted to live-streaming services if the time spent watching content is not monitored properly. Social media addiction, which can be considered a subset of internet and technology addiction, speaks to the compulsive need to watch streaming services or consume content  such as Twitch, YouTube, TikTok and more. When these types of streaming services are consumed, the brain can increase dopamine production which may lead to feelings of happiness. Our brain naturally wants to continue these dopamine hits and will make someone experience cravings to watch even more streamed content on Twitch. 

Over time with overconsumption of Twitch, the brain can be negatively impacted and someone may experience trouble focusing, regulating their mood, engaging in real-life scenarios and strain relationships. 

Signs of Twitch addiction

It can be difficult to determine if the amount of time you spend on Twitch is normal or becoming harmful. There are warning signs and behaviors that may indicate that your viewing habits are crossing over into an addiction. Signs of Twitch addiction can include:

• Spending hours watching streamed content on Twitch

• Losing track of time or spending more time than originally intended on Twitch

• Inability to stop using Twitch, even if you want to

• Feeling guilt or shame about Twitch consumption

• Ignoring responsibilities to watch Twitch

• Lack of interest in life outside of Twitch

• Ignoring personal hygiene and other physical needs to watch Twitch

• Experiencing withdrawal like symptoms when reducing or stopping Twitch use

• Personal relationships are negatively impacted by Twitch use

Treatment for Twitch addiction

It is important to seek out professional help if you or someone you know is suffering from Twitch addiction or compulsive social media use. There are different treatment options available to help reduce Twitch use and the right option will depend on the individual and the severity of their Twitch addiction.  

One way to help reduce the amount of time spent on Twitch or control the content that is shown. For users that are 13-18, parental controls and limits can be set. Explicit content will be automatically filtered out. For those over 18 who want to reduce their time on Twitch, app blockers can help reduce access to Twitch. Finding other types of support such as hobbies outside of Twitch, asking friends or family to keep you accountable and reaching out for professional help are options as well. 

If your child or a loved one is struggling with Twitch addiction or compulsive social media use, you can  reach out to the team at Birches for a free consultation. Or you may refer a friend or family member confidentially. 

Sources:

• Signs of Streaming Addiction