People consume and create user-generated content in different ways for different but interdependent reasons, according to research just published in the journal Internet Research.

The three main reasons are:

1. to fulfill their information, entertainment and mood management needs
2. to interact with content and with other human beings
3. for self-expression and self-actualisation, which help to construct their own identity

The study’s author argues that entertainment is more important than information-seeking when it comes to user-generated content, writing that “YouTube and its many imitators have dramatically reduced entertainment content to light, bright and digestible ’snack food’ so that users can consume it with increased frequency and maximum speed.”

Pointing out that because people can fulfill their social needs through interacting online with each other, responding to content is “an integral part of community development since it can reinforce dynamic content creation.”

Blogging and vlogging “not only allows the significance of who one is and what one does to show himself/herself, but also enables one to control the impression others have of him/her.”

The study concludes that the three ways of using user-generated content are analytically separate but are interdependent. “They support one another, directly or indierectly, by helping people fulfill their respective social and psychological needs.”

The usability aspects of user-generated content - how easy it is to use and how much control is given to the consumer - allow users to contribute only a little while getting a lot back, such as quickly uploading one video to YouTube while being able to view thousands of videos of interest. The study draws parallels between UGC and utility theory, which suggests people desire those things that will maximise their pleasure.

The researcher argues that these kinds of controls appeal to people “not only technically, but also psychologically.”

Tags: e-research, internet research, self-actualization, YouTube

Posted on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009 at 8:58 pm under Technology, Video, Writing, social media.

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3 Responses to “Self-actualisation through user-generated content: study”

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   February 3rd, 2009 at 9:20 pm

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2. Kwoff.com Says:
   February 4th, 2009 at 10:50 am

   YouTube leads to self-actualisation - study…

   A study just published in Internet Research has found that creating and consuming user-generated content meets a host of personal, professional and psychological needs for users. Ease of use and control over content are two of the most important aspect…

3. Carrie Says:
   February 10th, 2009 at 2:54 am

   I am adding this page to my bookmarks. I look forward to future articles. TY