Viewer-animal interaction in cat live streams

Abstract

Live streaming has recently become a popular mode of remote communication and entertainment. One live streaming genre that is gradually receiving more attention from the Korean public is animal live streaming. However, not much investigation is done on viewer-animal interaction (VAI). This thesis introduces MeowPlayLive, a live streaming system that enables viewer-cat interaction through voice messages. The effect of supporting viewer-cat interaction in cat live streams on viewer enjoyment, participation, immersion, togetherness, and emotional attachment is measured by holding live stream sessions with MeowPlayLive. Values that the viewer-cat interaction brings to the streamer and the cat are also discussed. Results reveal that MeowPlayLive motivated viewers to become active participants in the live stream and to feel more connected to the cat. Moreover, MeowPlayLive has been shown to improve the cat's well-being and change the owner's attitude toward the cat when engaging in play activities. Several design considerations are devised for supporting viewer-cat interaction in cat live streams: (1) leaving room for viewer experimentation, (2) sense of accomplishment and competition as driving forces of sustainable viewer-cat interaction in cat live streams, (3) collaborative viewer-viewer-cat interaction, and (4) constructing cat-targeted personalized auditory messages with preset sound samples. It is hoped that the findings of this thesis inspire animal-computer interaction (ACI) researchers, the live streaming industry, and even communication and media researchers to explore new forms of technology-mediated human-animal interaction.