The rise of social media means that athletes are more accessible than ever, with fans having greater access than any previous generation. This has resulted in positive moments between fans and athletes and warm displays of generosity. However, we have also seen too much negative use of social media with fans and pundits attacking the performances and appearances of elite athletes. Countless instances exist where athletes have been abused by people behind keyboards and screens with no real consequence for their actions. Athletes have been subjected to this treatment on a global scale given the increased access fans have to sport in the current day. Unfortunately athlete mental health has suffered. Athletes received negative messages and commentary based upon their performance and unfair scrutiny from people who would never say these things to their face. With the rise in accessibility and popularity of gambling, many punters share their frustrations over losses to the athletes themselves. Whilst many athletes suffer poor mental health from tabloid articles and narratives pushed from journalists to suit an agenda. After the 2021 French Open and Naomi Osaka's withdrawal following refusal to attend a press conference, athlete mental health has recently been in the spotlight. In this episode of the TRIAX10, Damo and Rob talk about the negative influences that social media has had on athlete's mental health and also the commercial conundrum that many athletes and governing bodies face going forward. Undoubtedly sport is business and the money paid to athletes is generated from commercial access via the way of broadcast deals, press conferences and sponsorships. There must be a give and take with this process.
Highlights:
- Discussion surrounding the negative aspects of social media on athlete health
- Athlete obligations in the post match press conferences
- Conundrum facing athletes given the impact the commercial dollar has on prizemoney/salary
- The rise of social media as a tool for 24/7 scrutiny of athletes and their performances
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