Fan Engagement through Social Media
When thinking about digital engagement with fans, the first thing that most people think of is social media. Social media serves as a key engagement tool in all aspects of our modern world, especially in the sports world. Sports clubs, leagues, and players all use social media in order to maximize fan engagement with the help of apps like Instagram, TikTok, and X. According to Rolling Stone, social media platforms have been shown to bring forth a more personal connection with players and fans. Different features, like live streams and Q&As, are being used by players in all different sports to connect further with their fans. Along with engagement with specific players, fans can also use social media in order to receive realtime updates on their favorite sports teams.
https://blog.gwi.com/chart-of-the-week/sport-social-media/
These platforms that the clubs, leagues, and players use also allow for fans to engage with each other, sharing their thoughts and sparking conversation. One specific example of the use of social media in order for fans to communicate with each other and to the league itself is Chelsea FC fans creating a petition against Anthony Taylor, an English professional football referee. Social media is revolutionizing the sports industry, allowing fans to truly connect with sport.Do you believe social media has the power to connect to fans on a personal level? Do you yourself follow any players or teams?
References:
https://council.rollingstone.com/blog/how-social-media-in-sports-marketing-is-changing-the-game
https://www.bu.edu/prlab/2018/10/29/the-impact-of-social-media-on-the-sports-industry/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0969698921002149
Yes I definitely believe that social media connects fans to their favorite sports teams, as it gives them another avenue to voice their opinion and defend their favorite teams or players. I do certainly think there is a balance and some fans need to make sure they aren’t taking themselves too seriously. Do you agree with this? I personally follow one team, the Chicago Cubs, and numerous players.
ReplyDeleteHi Miles, thanks for your comment! I think you're right when you say some people take it a little too seriously, sometimes ending up fighting via a social media platform. I also think that having a space to have conversations is positive. Social media provides a platform, and you yourself needs to decide to whether or not you want to keep a positive conversation going. I don't follow any teams but I've seen friends use social media in order to follow their favorite teams and players
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ReplyDeleteYes, social media really helps fans feel closer to their favorite sports, teams, and players by allowing them to interact directly and share their opinions. It makes the sports world more accessible and personal for fans.
I think social media is an extremely powerful tool in promoting fan engagement in sports, especially in the technological world we live in today. I have seen a lot of success in social media with college sports teams in the US who have a presence on tik tok or instagram, which directly reaches the fans. It provides an opportunity to see different sides of players and allow insight into their lives on and off the field.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment! In the US, I also have noticed a large presence of college sports teams on social media, especially at my school. Also, many of my friends play on their college sports teams and are often featured in interactive posts with followers.
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