Aug 01, 2022 20:00:00

Twitch is forced to take measures against ``problems where popular distributors are likely to encounter threats and stalkers''

The game distribution platform Twitch initially restricted content unrelated to the game, but by relaxing the regulation later, it became possible to distribute not only game play but also chat and drawing, and various popular Produced distributors. However, such popular distributors are always being harassed and stalked by a small portion of viewers, and Twitch is under pressure to take measures to prevent this damage from increasing.

Does Twitch Fame Have to Come With a Stalker? - The New York Times

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/29/technology/twitch-stalking.html

Twitch broadcaster Amouranth , Kaitlyn Siragusa, basically wears swimsuits, revealing clothes, and game character costumes, and chats with viewers while exercising. increase. Twitch says, ``If you don't plan to swim, I don't recommend wearing a swimsuit and delivering it,'' but Siragusa delivered in a bikini and earned about $ 120,000 a month (about 16 million yen). It is said that it is. In addition, Mr. Siragusa earns more than $ 1 million (about 130 million yen) every month even with OnlyFans where a lot of sexual content is posted.

However, because such distribution is done on Twitch, harassment, intimidation, and stalking of Mr. Siragusa continue. Mr. Siragusa purchased a guard dog and a gun and installed a security camera. 'I don't know what to do other than make a moat with crocodiles,' says Siragusa.

I have a stalker who has been in my area since may 8th.

He literally watches my stream all day and badly mimics everything I do (does ASMR badly, takes a shower on his twitch stream when I'm in the hot tub). In the past I have reported him for RE-streaming me but

— Kaitlyn (@wildkait) June 7, 2022

Twitch said, 'Harassment and intimidation are never allowed on Twitch. We will use every means at our disposal to minimize the risk of harm and respond to harm caused to the community.' I'm here.

Rachel Kowert, research director and psychologist at Take This , a nonprofit dedicated to mental health in the gaming community, says Twitch streamers and fans have a ``semi-reciprocal parasocial relationship''. . A parasocial relationship is a one-sided, imaginary relationship that people develop through media connections with celebrities they do not know directly. For example, if you fall in love with an idol you always see on TV and feel that you have a close relationship with the other person even though you have no contact with them in your private life, it's because you've built a parasocial relationship. It can be said that

However, in the case of Twitch, unlike television, which is completely one-way, broadcasters may react to fan comments. The fact that livestreaming is essentially “in the same place at the same time” also makes it easier for fans to feel closer to the streamer. In addition, restrictions on going out due to the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to the creation of these semi-reciprocal parasocial relationships, with more people using livestreams to escape loneliness and depression, Kowert said. pointed out.

Twitch broadcaster

BrookeAB , also known as Brooke Bond, began working as a game broadcaster while in college, and became so popular that an e-sports organization proposed to bear the cost of moving to a property for broadcasters in Los Angeles. rice field. However, for some reason, this proposal triggered an obsessive fan who said, 'Mr. Bond's life belongs to me.' It seems that there was also a time when I was sent.

According to Mr. Bond, Twitch was cooperative and banned the account in question from the platform, and advised me to call the police and remove my personal information from the Internet, but I do not know the specific solution. stay. Mr. Bond has responded by paying millions of yen to private investigators and identifying those who are harassing the FBI. It seems that the situation has become relatively better, but it seems that the threats are still continuing.

``Twitch is trying to help, but I just don't know what to do,'' Bond said. On the other hand, David Huntzinger, who manages many broadcasters, said, ``Live broadcasters are at risk of having their personal information identified from a small conversation. I don't think I've thought through everything,' he said.

A Twitch spokesperson said that in the coming months, the company plans to conduct a live session to explain the risks that occur in the real world to distributors. Tom Verrilli, Twitch's chief product officer, also added security to the platform, such as hiding contact information on the settings page to reduce the risk of accidentally revealing one's address or phone number on stream. He said he is stepping up efforts to incorporate it.

Angela Hession , global vice president of trust and safety at Twitch, has posted a safety center with tips on how to protect yourself on Twitch and in real life, including tips to prevent exfiltration, stalking, and swatting. While we have prepared, 'we have tried to create a safe environment, but there is only so much we can do. Unless the company receives a valid request from law enforcement, we will We are unable to provide a