Loose Change For Live Streaming: An Experimental Investigation On Online Tipping Denomination

This study explores the dynamics of online tipping on global live-streaming platforms, investigating the impact of virtual currency types and denomination sizes. While prior research has explored offline spending behaviours influenced by currency denomination, our examination focuses on the digital realm. Through a novel laboratory experiment based on a dictator game, we analyzed the effects of real versus symbolic virtual currencies and varied denomination sizes on online tipping behaviour. Our findings reveal that neither the type of virtual currency nor the denomination size significantly influences online tipping behaviour. This study sheds light on the nuances of currency effects in the context of digital platforms, suggesting that the use of virtual currencies may not substantially alter spectator behaviour during online tipping interactions.