Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Arts

Major

Communication

Date of Defense

6-30-2010

Graduate Advisor

Alice Hall, Ph.D.

Committee

Yan Tian

Amber Reinhart

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the motivations that lead someone to watching Hulu as well as whether or not Hulu users are heavy viewers of traditional television. Social networking’s importance in the context of Hulu was also examined. Students (N=88) completed a motivations scale adapted from Weaver (2001) including motivations for watching online video. Students also answered questions regarding television and online video viewing habits and whether or not they used social networking to seek out information about television shows. The findings revealed four basic motivations: entertainment, purposive, companionship/diversion and informational. Further, the data show that Hulu users do not watch more traditional television than non- Hulu users or the average 18-24 year old. In addition, social networking sites tend to not be a place where television is heavily discussed. Some of the implications of these findings are discussed.

OCLC Number

670738323

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