Social media became a tool for athletes to raise political awareness in 2018
For nearly a decade social media has helped athletes and sports teams interact with their fans or make major announcements. But according to Mike Naraine, a professor who studies the connection between sports and social media, that relationship evolved in 2018.
Whether it was then-Raptors superstar DeMar DeRozan opening up about his mental health struggles, former NHLer Daniel Carcillo speaking out on better safety protocols on and off the ice, or lawyer Rachael Denhollander blowing the whistle on disgraced USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, current and former athletes used Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to shed light on social issues.
“What we’ve seen is the maturation of what social media can be,” said Naraine. “Athletes are starting to see that the true value of social media isn’t just being able to communicate with your fans, although that is a big part, but giving yourself a voice and providing a voice to what had previously been a dormant or silent giant.
“Now athletes can harness their capacity as a visible figure and that has powerful meaning not just for an athlete’s personal brand for sponsorships but to advocate for certain issues.”