The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like hurricanes and storms have been on the rise in recent years, sparking a surge in public interest. This has led to the widespread live-streaming of dramatic footage on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Discord.
The University of Plymouth recently conducted a groundbreaking study to explore why people are drawn to watching these streams, sometimes for extended periods of up to 12 hours.
The study focused on analyzing viewer behavior during live-streams of three major events: Hurricane Irma in 2017, Hurricane Ian in 2022, and Storms Dudley, Eunice, and Franklin in 2022.
Researchers delved into viewers’ comments and found that some people in affected areas were using the streams to discuss official government risk advice, particularly regarding evacuation decisions. Others tuned in due to a personal connection to the impacted region, using the live footage as a way to show support and solidarity by sharing messages of hope.
Published in the journal Environmental Hazards, the research was led by Dr. Simon Dickinson, a Geohazards and Risk Lecturer at the University’s School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences.
Dr. Dickinson remarked that the study revealed a complex array of motivations driving individuals to watch extreme weather footage beyond mere spectacle-seeking. Live-streams serve as interactive platforms for real-time engagement among viewers near and far, enabling them to validate their perceptions of the event’s significance, hazard dynamics, and to share similar experiences.
Examining nine live-streams of hurricanes and storms from 2017 and 2022, the study observed over 1.8 million viewers collectively watching 65 hours of video footage, generating over 14,300 comments from 5,000 unique accounts. This heightened engagement underscores the public’s interest in major unfolding events.
The study also highlighted that many streams repurposed existing webcam channels to relay live updates during hurricanes or storms, with some individuals broadcasting footage from their own security cameras. This underscores a growing curiosity among people to comprehend the scientific aspects of these phenomena.
Dr. Dickinson emphasized the importance of studying how emerging technologies, such as live-streaming, are reshaping people’s understanding of hazard risks and fostering discussions outside traditional scientific settings.
He noted that while scientists are improving in conveying risk information, informal platforms like live-streams play a crucial role in facilitating discussions about hazards, fostering learning, community building, and emotional support amidst the uncertainties of our increasingly unpredictable world.
