Streaming movies, series and shows: attitudes and beliefs among Gen Zers

Abstract

Purpose Faster internet and online streaming have changed the way young consumers enjoy their favorite movies, series and shows, and business models must adapt to these changes. This study aims to examine the streaming behaviors, beliefs and piracy intentions of Generation Z, the youngest and largest generation of online entertainment consumers. Research in the area of young consumer behavior and streaming piracy is limited, and for a good reason: current laws and regulations focus on punishing the distributors of pirated content rather than consumers. Design/methodology/approach This study used a self-reported questionnaire administered to 750 Generation Z college students aged 17–25 years. The authors used the scenario-based method to examine the factors explaining the intentions to commit movies, series and shows streaming (MS) piracy. This method has been extensively applied when analyzing digital piracy because sharing streaming account passwords and using illegal streaming websites among consumers is still not unlawful in the U.S. Therefore, an adequate approach to evaluate young consumers’ intentions is through a scenario-based model. All information was coded, and a statistical and econometric analysis was completed. Findings From the statistical analysis, the authors found that only 14% of the young participants indicated their intention to stop sharing account information and using illegal websites to watch their favorite movies and shows if streaming piracy were punishable by law. The key motivations are related to the denial of injury to others and the belief that governments would have a difficult time enforcing the law in online environments. Approximately 80% of the participants who indicated their intention to continue MS piracy expressed a low perception of any type of risk associated with MS piracy. Research limitations/implications The results were obtained using a scenario-based model. A scenario provides the opportunity for the participants to reflect on a specific conflict, but they can recognize that there is little at “stake” when addressing the conflict, potentially producing the bias of “over positive responses.” Nonetheless, the analysis is still reliable, as the number of observations is large (750 responses), and the conflict is expressed as a degree of conformity rather than a yes/no answer. Practical implications The authors believe that future generations’ attitudes and beliefs about streaming entertainment will pose significant economic hardships to the entertainment industry. Similar to other forms of entertainment, streamed movies, series and shows are highly susceptible to digital piracy and it is the most common risky behavior among adolescents. The economic impact of streaming piracy could extend to revenue losses, job losses and national domestic production. Social implications Peer influence, personal or through social media, is a strong predictor of streaming piracy. In fact, social media influencers play an important role in teenagers’ behavior, including the usage of illegal streaming apps or websites and other deviant behavior in the digital world. It is expected that social media influencers will continue to be a relevant explanatory factor of streaming piracy among young Gen Zers. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on digital piracy in several ways. First, it adds to the understanding of streaming piracy and the views and perceptions of young consumers about entertainment streaming. Second, the authors extend the analysis of digital piracy to streamed movies, shows and series. Third, the authors complete a statistical analysis on the relationships between Gen Zers’ consumption behavior, beliefs and intentions of streaming entertainment piracy. Understanding Gen Zers’ behavior and attitudes toward paid versus unpaid consumption of streaming content will allow the entertainment industry to respond effectively to future changes in copyright laws and technology usage.