In today’s world, social media can pose a significant problem for young athletes. Fans and people who follow a particular club always expect something big, and when a young athlete appears on the team, fans often lack patience and comment negatively about him/her. This is a big mistake because there is no need for this; it’s better to support the athletes rather than underestimate, criticize, or post negative comments about them on social media. Although athletes are professionals and some don’t pay attention to comments, it certainly affects others who may struggle with it. For some, it can even harm their career if they don’t seek psychological help, even if the athlete shows good potential. In this article, I’ll discuss some negative aspects that social media on young athletes by exemplifying two particular cases, and argue how these bad effects could be avoided.
Negative Social Media Campaign Can Lead to Self-Doubt and Motivation Loss
Athletes should be supported because negative comments on social media can affect them to the point where they lose their self-confidence and desire to progress. Bad comments can create barriers in the minds of young athletes if they read them and take them too personally. Nowadays, people have become cruel and allow themselves to post something bad without considering how it will affect the person the comment is aimed at. Negative comments on social media, even when athletes achieve significant results, can lead them to question their own abilities. Criticism and comparisons with others affect their motivation, and they often feel discouraged and dissatisfied, even when making progress.
This situation is further complicated by the fact that comments remain visible to a large number of people, which creates a sense of shame and increases the fear of judgment. Many young athletes, wanting to meet the expectations of the public, pay more attention to the opinions of others than to their own development, which negatively affects their focus and performance.
Mental health is particularly at risk due to continuous exposure to criticism. Verbal abuse on social media leads to increased stress, anxiety, and, in more severe cases, depression. While athletes are professionals, there are still those who are affected by comments and find it difficult to handle every negative word.
How to Reduce the Negative Impact of Social Media
Social media can be beneficial for young athletes, but it is important to recognize and manage its risks. Negative comments are an inevitable part of the public sphere, but with proper education, support, and technical tools, young athletes can develop resilience to pressure and continue to grow both in sports and in their personal lives. At present, this issue is rarely discussed or written about, but this topic is very important and should be more widely talked about and written about. Raising awareness could show that there is no purpose in criticizing a particular athlete, and it would be much more beneficial to offer support and encourage others to do the same. The feeling of supporting an athlete is much better than making negative comments.
There are many examples both globally and in Serbia where athletes have been underestimated and criticized. One example, though the player is not young, is important for understanding this topic as it shows that even older athletes can be underestimated. During the coronavirus pandemic, when the NBA decided to hold games in a “bubble” format, basketball player Paul George, who played for the Los Angeles Clippers, had less than 25% shooting accuracy in three consecutive playoff games, which was unexpected for him. Naturally, many negative comments followed, but with the help of his teammates, he overcame this difficult period and took a brief break from social media.
Just as there are public examples discussed in the media, there are also cases that are not well-known but should be. One such case is the underestimation and criticism of basketball player Dalibor Ilić, who is a member of Crvena Zvezda but is currently on loan to Spartak Subotica. Dalibor has potential, but the fans of Crvena Zvezda did not recognize it, and last season, various comments were made about the young player who is showing potential while on loan, with a great career ahead of him, some even accusing him of supporting the rival team. Dalibor does not pay attention to the negative comments, as he is a professional and strives to remain unaffected by what others say, especially those who have never even touched a basketball.
To reduce the negative impact of social media, it is crucial to find ways to protect young professional athletes. Education on mental health and stress coping techniques, as well as limiting the time spent on social media, can help protect them from negative effects. Additionally, support from professionals, such as sports psychologists, can be essential for developing emotional resilience. Technical solutions, such as filtering offensive comments and blocking negative users, provide an extra level of protection. Apart from technical and individual strategies, support from the surrounding environment plays a significant role. Parents, coaches, and friends should provide young athletes with a sense of security, praise, and encouragement, so they feel valued and motivated. This reduces the impact of negative comments and encourages them to stay focused on their goals.