Social networks now have a huge place in today's society. Social networks have developed multiple options such as lives, sales, story, posts, photos and videos. You can do almost anything on a social network.
In the world of sport, social networks now have an important place. Indeed, new jobs have emerged. The communication became essential for a club to promote, sell and inform the population. It’s exactly the same process for an athlete, In fact, nowadays it is important for an athlete to promote his image and be appreciated by the public.
All the social platforms create amazing opportunities for people to interact with their favorite athletes. Indeed, they are able to comment on their pictures, on their posts, or while they are live streaming. Social media brings a lot of interactions and love spreading from fans to athletes. “Social media has the power to help spread the word, good or bad, to many in an instant. And athletes have been some at the forefront of using that power to help promote causes and help make for a better tomorrow.” ( DePauw, 2018)
However, some athletes can find themselves in a difficult situation due to its social networks. Indeed, some basketball players have displayed themselves naked or in delicate situations on the web. Some players may at times communicate in the wrong way and be insulted or even threatened on these same platforms. It can also be mentally difficult for a young NBA player to be trolled on social networks because you have been dunked on it, or dribbled by an opponent
In the basketball world, one can cite the story of Kevin Durant and his fake accounts. Indeed, when he inadvertently used his official Twitter account to respond to one of his detractors, believing himself to be on one of his fake accounts. KD was later forced to admit that he had another profile, unofficial and anonymous this time around, which he used for the purpose of interacting with other Internet users unnoticed. A way of "living a normal life," as he explained at the time on the microphone of ESPN +’s The Boardroom. KD saw himself receiving a lot of mockery on this story. This did not prevent him from continuing his good performances on the NBA floors ...
To conclude, We can say that social networks have revolutionized society nowadays but also redimensioned communication in the world of sport. Indeed, the image has become very important, and each club and the athletes must do what is necessary to promote a beautiful image. However, social media can be safe and secure for athletes if used properly.
DePauw, R. (2018, May 4). Athletes and their use of social media to raise awareness. Medium; Medium. https://medium.com/@depau016/athletes-and-their-use-of-social-media-to-raise-awareness-b4d832f619c8
Los Angeles Times. (2017, September 18). Kevin Durant apparently tried to use a fake Twitter account to defend himself, Slam Thunder. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-durant-twitter-fake-20170918-story.html.
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