  This study examines how active participation, financial commitment, and
passive participation in the leading social live-streaming service, Twitch.tv,
relate to individuals' psychological well-being. The three dimensions of social
capital-structural, relational, and cognitive-as well as parasocial
relationship are explored as mediators. Cross-sectional survey data from 396
respondents was analyzed by comparing two fully saturated structural equation
models. Findings indicate actively participating in a favorite streamers' Chat
is positively associated with increased well-being. Structural social capital,
or having more social interaction ties, positively mediates the relationship
between active participation and well-being, as well as financial commitment
and well-being. Greater cognitive social capital, or shared values and goals
with a favorite streamer, is related to decreased well-being. Parasocial
relationship does not significantly mediate the relationship between use and
well-being. Our results demonstrate the importance of tangible social ties over
the perceived relationships or identification with a favorite streamer.
