Social media for athletes often starts in college. 1 in 5 student athletes use social media to make career connections, network, and get their name out there. Then, they continue to use social media as a pro-athlete.
Fans love interacting with their favorite athletes on Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms, and they gain access to the players in a way they wouldn’t get otherwise. Today’s fans want an authentic and transparent view of players. But sometimes, athletes use of social media can cause them controversy. On social media, everyone watches what you do, and when you put something out on the internet, it’s there forever thanks to screenshots and other methods of saving content.

With these very real dangers, it’s key for athletes to learn the ethics and guidelines of social media use prior to getting started.  It’s also beneficial for them to know how each platform works.  In the article I wrote for The Rockland County Business Journal, I warn everyone of the bumpy ride we are in store on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Youtube: 4 platforms that athletes use religiously. You can find the article I wrote on my Twitter page (@SweetStephanie7)

It’s also good to note that if players are doing endorsements, using social media, they need to know how the platforms work, so their representation of the companies they are promoting, are winning social media campaigns and not duds. (Like the ones I have seen recently!)

Social media isn’t going away and players need to approach social media from a professional angle. It’s part of their personal brand, and it can help them form important relationships. It’s not necessary to use these platforms as a way to broadcast every single thought, as they do now. Remember, it’s social media, not a diary.