Social media has a huge impact on High School Athletes which can be positive or negative. It could affect the mindset of many young athletes, and give them false hopes and expectations of what athletes are. Social Media Platforms might also change one’s reputation and overall school performance. But Social media can also positively help a high school athlete. By following tips and advice from popular sports influencers which can help in the athletic department. Also by downloading apps and using other websites which may help in the education department.
Expectations –
High School is a challenging task for everyone, especially athletes. When you are an athlete in high school you are expected to live at a higher standard. Young athletes have lots of pressure on them, they have to uphold that standard. In school you are expected to stay out of trouble, get good grades, and be respectful to all adult figures but for student athletes these expectations are way higher. You must go above the minimum, in academics and in athletics. Social Media only makes things more stressful.
High School athletes always post videos and photos of their accomplishments. When young athletes see other people their age performing and doing so well, it provides false expectations that they can do it to. This may help some kids work and push themselves harder, but it can also affect you if you cannot be as good as them. It sucks but it’s true, not everyone can be like the top ranked prospects in America but people do not want to accept that. Trying your hardest and not excelling or being as good as you would want can really affect a students athletes mental health.
Mental Health –
Social media can drastically affect a high school athlete’s mental health. Under performing in sports might be one of the most impacting feelings a young athlete can experience. Everyone gets feelings of doubt and as if there are not enough which does hurt one’s mental health. On social medias such as tiktok, people call it “Sports Depression”. There are many relatable tiktoks that can describe the exact feelings you these athletes may feel. The tiktok community has a “For You Feed” that is built based on what each user views,likes and favorites. So if a high school athlete is experiencing “Sports Depression” social media can explain how they are feeling.
Negative Effects on High School Athletes –
Social media can negatively impact high school athletes by creating distractions from training and academics. Fostering cyber bullying, and pressuring them to project a certain online image.
With constant notifications and the temptation to scroll through feeds, athletes might find it hard to focus on the training or studies. This can lead to decreased performance on the field and in the classroom. Unfortunately, social media can be a platform for negative comments and harassment. Athletes might face criticism about their performance or appearance, which can affect their mental health and self-esteem. Athletes might feel the need to post highlights or updates, which can lead to anxiety about living up to expectations. Sharing too much can also lead to privacy concerns.
Positive Effects on High School Athletes –
Social media can help high school athletes connect with coaches and recruiters, build their personal brand and engage with fans.
Social media allows athletes to showcase their skills, share highlights, and even receive direct messages about potential opportunities. Athletes can create a personal brand by sharing their journey, training routines, achievements and vlogging. Social media also provides a platform for athletes to interact with their fans, creating a sense of community and support throughout their school. Many young athletes use social media to follow training tips, nutrition advice, and motivational content. This can help them stay informed and improve their performance.
