Information Behavior and Access to Online Live Streaming: A Pilot Study of Avid Viewers in the Philippines
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15802/unilib/2025_347597Keywords:
freebie seekers, information seeking, information behavior, beauty pageants, live streaming, online contentAbstract
Objective. As social media progresses in the Philippines, access to entertainment and online content has become convenient for today’s digital users. Given that consumption often involves purchasing services, and online user behavior is influenced by freely available content, this study investigates how avid beauty pageant fans search for live online content. The study asks the question: how do Filipino beauty pageant fans consume online live streaming content amidst the evolving landscape of social media and digital access? Methods. This pilot study explored the previously unexamined information-seeking behaviors of individuals looking for free items when they engage with online beauty pageant content. Using a semi-structured online interview, responses were organized according to demographics and interview questions. Convenience sampling was used to gather initial data for this pilot study and improve the study design. Results. A diverse group of 14 participants took part in the online survey, with age ranging from 26 to 52 years old, belonging to different professions. 93% avid fans of beauty pageants can identify local and international pageants. Participants were able to search the information they need by searching for the official website or social media pages and by reading the comments section of social media pages for tips and links. Participants were willing to share free access with others. However, most of the participants were not willing to pay for this kind of entertainment. Since libraries have the unique ability to expand their media services and collections based on their specific missions and target audiences, libraries have to address the needs of their enthusiastic online entertainment seekers. As the data provided, 66.67% strongly agree that access to digital entertainment content should be part of the services offered by public libraries to engage users and that the same number of participants strongly agree that streaming media should be a constant service of public libraries. Conclusions. This study explored the previously unexamined information seeking behavior of individuals seeking free items when engaging with online beauty pageant content. As a call to action, libraries, as sources of media and content, may provide video streaming services to diverse users, provided they are aligned with their mission and objectives.
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