arXiv · 2509.09138
User Exploration and Exploitation Behavior Under the Influence of Real-time Interactions in Live Streaming Environments
Abstract
Live streaming platforms offer a distinctive way for users and content creators to interact with each other through real-time communication. While research on user behavior in online platforms has explored how users discover their favorite content from creators and engage with them, the role of real-time features remains unclear. There are open questions as to what commonalities and differences exist in users' relationships with live streaming platforms compared to traditional on-demand style platforms. To understand this, we employ the concept of Exploration/Exploitation (E/E) and analyze a large-scale dataset from a live streaming platform over two years. Our results indicate that even on live streaming platforms, users exhibit E/E behavior but experience a longer exploration period. We also identify external factors, such as circadian rhythms, that influence E/E dynamics and user loyalty. The presented study emphasizes the importance of balancing E/E in online platform design, especially for live streaming platforms, providing implications that suggest design strategies for platform developers and content creators to facilitate timely engagement and retention.
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Akira Matsui, Kazuki Fujikawa, Ryo Sasaki, Ryo Adachi. 2025-09-11. User Exploration and Exploitation Behavior Under the Influence of Real-time Interactions in Live Streaming Environments. https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.09138
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