Students’ usage of Over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms affecting their academic and socio-demographic profile

Abstract

As the world is reeling under the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, most people have faced the shift to online modes of communication in spheres like education, work from home and even entertainment. Students turned to over-the-top (OTT) platforms in order to relax and relieve stress. The present study attempts to measure the usage of OTT platforms and its effect on students’ academic lives concerning academic performance, concentration and productivity, health issues, time-management, and their socio-demographic profile. The study employed explanatory descriptive research designs and sent out instruments measuring usage of OTT and other variables to 800 students across India. The study obtained 535 successful responses from the students pursuing 11th grade to post-graduation. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, parametric t-test, ANOVA and MANOVA. The study revealed that students used OTT platforms extensively for entertainment.  Descriptive data gave a detailed account of their academic lives during the COVID-19 crisis. Usage of OTT affected their academic performance, concentration and productivity, health and time management. The study recommends future researchers to find the positive and negative effects of OTT usage on the youth in the post-pandemic scenario.