Twitch usage motivations: A research within the framework of uses and gratification approach

In this study, the usage motivations for the live broadcasting platform Twitch.tv were discussed by the younger generation of Internet users within the framework of the Usages and Gratification Theory. In the findings part of the study, Twitch.tv motivation of the participants in the study group was examined and revealed by using the semi-structured interview technique among in the qualitative research methods. In the analysis section, the findings obtained from the participants between the ages of 18-25 are evaluated with the descriptive analysis method and they are analyzed which motivations they have in using Twitch.tv. In the first part of the study, the history of communication researches was adressed and Uses and Gratification Theory, the concept of Active Audience and Satisfaction were opened. In the second part, given information about New Media, Social Media and social networking sites and detailed information has been shared about the live broadcast sharing platform Twitch.tv, which is the main topic of the research, In the third part of the study, there is a descriptive analysis of the findings obtained through semi-structured interview technique and a conclusion part of the study. The sample of the study was formed by the criterion sampling method by the users whose between 18 and 25 years old and Twitch.tv usage period has more than 30 hours per week. The study aims to clarify the Twitch usage habits and motivations of the users with the high usage rate. Keywords: Twitch.tv, Live Brodcast, Social Media, New Media, Using and Gratification Theory