University of Twente Student Theses
Streaming Services Vs. Digital Piracy : The Process of Entertainment Media Consumption
Leskovšek, Nina (2024) Streaming Services Vs. Digital Piracy : The Process of Entertainment Media Consumption.
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| Abstract: | With the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, new and convenient ways of consuming entertainment media have emerged. However, piracy has not only persisted but evolved, indicating that current anti-piracy measures are ineffective. This study aims to understand, using the Theory of Planned Behavior, why individuals choose to pirate content over using streaming platforms. A qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews explored content availability, moral justifications, technical skills, and Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). The findings revealed that despite the convenience of streaming services, participants still pirate content due to fragmented content across platforms, high subscription costs, and minimal moral conflict about piracy. Participants rationalised their behaviour by highlighting the substantial profits of the movie industry. Additionally, new technology and user-friendly piracy methods have made technical skills less of a barrier. While FOMO occasionally influences the decision to pirate, it mainly does so when older, popular content is unavailable on streaming platforms. These insights highlight the need for policymakers and streaming service providers to develop more effective strategies, such as unifying subscription services and making them more affordable. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 05 communication studies |
| Programme: | Communication Studies BSc (56615) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/100508 |
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