Imagine: you wake up – and you are thousands of euros richer. Sounds great? This works out! But only if you film yourself and let strangers keep you awake.
One trend follows the next on streaming platforms such as Twitch or YouTube. About a year ago it was the latest craze to sit in a pool in your own living room and write the names of the viewers on your skin, but the action has now shifted to the streamers’ bedrooms. However, not because mattress sport has arrived on the platforms, but because people film themselves while sleeping – or at least when they try.
16,000 a night – and a lot of noise
A “Wired” report reveals the enormous sums involved. The Australian streamer Jakey Boehm earned $ 34,000 in just one month, his colleague named “Asian Andy” claims to earn $ 16,000 in just one night.
The actors earn the money not only with a camera that films them during a relaxed nap, but through interaction with the viewers – and that costs money. Because while the people in front of the camera are supposedly trying to fall asleep, the observers can trigger actions to prevent this.
The disruptions range from simple text messages that a robotic voice reads aloud to electric shocks from a smart bracelet to the classic water bucket that can be poured over the bed – all from the comfort of your own home. The more well-known streamers are well paid for these nasties. Messages cost from about one US dollar, sophisticated pick-me-ups like a bucket of water can quickly cost three digits.
Played a lot – and more for professionals
The viewers love it – and pay diligently. In return, they are rewarded with appropriate reactions, the authenticity of which, however, can be questioned. Because the people in front of the camera actually know that it won’t be a good night’s sleep – it’s their job to let themselves be tortured. For example, screamer “Ishowspeed” is known for beating up his mattress in “anger”, said “Asian Andy” likes to tear his top apart in his insomnia.
The prospect of high revenues is attracting countless imitators, who also want to make the sleep programs their main source of income. This should also become a problem part-time, because most streamers report that they really go to bed after such an ordeal, without a camera.
Cornell professor Brooke Erin Duffy told Wired that trying to jump on this train means sacrificing a lot of quality of life to make comparatively little money. The successful streamers, according to Duffy, have already built up an audience before they start these stressful live broadcasts. This guarantees the corresponding income and allows compensation.
Quelle: Wired
