Positive Impacts

Social media can help athletes become better versions of themselves in various ways. This could promote sports teams, encourage fans to come watch and participate in fundraisers, which could lead to commercial opportunities, sponsorship deals, and financial deals. Social media can bring families, friends, and connections to each other while supporting teams. Media can show people their true selves, the reality of being an athlete, and update fans on their daily lives. People might develop them as their role models or people they look up to.

Negative Impacts 

Social media does not only have good benefits for athletes but does come with negatives. Social media can make it hard for some athletes to handle the pressure due to failure and the number of people watching. Athletes tend to be uncomfortable having a bad performance posted on social media for everyone to see. Having the world see their failures might lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. Social media can be a distraction because the number of notifications received can make them lose focus on their athletic performance and school. Negative feedback can take back from their performance, types of teams, and teammates, which can have an impact on the athletes’ mental health.

I was interested in understanding different athletes’ opinions on social media. Kenzie Muncy is a graduated athlete from Lakota West who played softball. Ben Khun is a graduated athlete from Lakota West who played tennis.

Q&A:

Q: How can social media motivate athletes? 

Kenzie Muncy: It can help motivate athletes because it shows the support you have from fans, coaches, friends, and parents. 

Ben Khun: It can help motivate athletes by seeing their successes on social media, which could lead to more motivation and wanting to achieve their goals. 

Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest impact social media has on athletes?

Kenzie Muncy: I think the biggest impact social media has on athletes is the negative feedback. It can negatively affect an athlete’s mindset, making them think they’re not good enough. 

Ben Khun: I think the biggest impact on social media is the amount of different opportunities you can gain from your performance, leadership style, and your attitude. 

Q: Do you think the pressure of social media is difficult for athletes?

Kenzie Muncy: I think the pressure can be difficult for athletes because they are held to a high standard by social media, coaches, friends, and parents. 

Ben Khun: I think the pressure can be hard for athletes because it can cause depression, anxiety, and stress about social media. Nobody wants the world to see all your failures and get viral.