Environmental Impact of Video Streaming from Users’ Perspectives

Abstract

While the Internet has undeniably made a significant impact on human life, it comes with a drawback: its extensive energy consumption, leading to adverse consequences for the environment. The proliferation of video streaming services, which constitute the largest portion of Internet traffic, amplifies the environmental burden of the Internet. Recognising the critical role of users’ video consumption behaviour to improve the situation, we employed a qualitative approach to explore users’ perspectives on pollution caused by video streaming. Interviews were conducted with video streaming app users aged from 18 to 26 years old, originating from Germany, France, and the UK. Our aim was to uncover the relationship between users' awareness levels and their willingness to change behaviour regarding video content consumption. The research findings provide comprehensive insights into users’ perceptions of video streaming impacts, and suggest potential avenues for future design and research aiming at promoting pro-environmental behaviour in video content consumption.

Keywords: Green UX, Internet Pollution, Digital Footprint, Video Streaming, Sustainability, Pro-Environmental Behaviour, Human-Centered Design

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005098