Increased Engagement With Fans
With the changing landscape of social media, athletes and sports figures can now engage with their audiences in new ways. The most obvious example is through live video streaming, but even print journalism is adjusting to the new digital age. With more journalists embracing the use of live streaming cameras, the line between journalists and broadcasters is blurring. Additionally, social media has opened up the doors for influencers to engage with their followers on a more personal level – something which had previously been reserved for celebrities and public figures.
Increased Exposure For Minor Leagues
The traditional sports world has always placed a greater emphasis on the professional side of sport. However, as social media has become a major part of our culture, it has provided a greater focus on the amateur side as well. As a result, the opportunities for people just starting out in life have greatly increased. This was made evident by the 2017 US Women’s Open – the first major professional golf tournament to allow professional livestreaming. The event drew a record number of viewers, with over 775,000 people watching the live stream on one of the biggest names in American sport, ESPN. The event was also the largest women’s sporting event to be streamed on Facebook.
Positive Impacts On Mental Health
When you’re in the middle of a hard day at work, the last thing you probably want to be doing is thinking about sports. However, the positive impacts of professional sports on mental health cannot be denied. Studies have shown that participating in sport has been proven to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress – benefits which extend beyond just the physical act of playing sports. Whether it’s the competitive nature of sports or the cheering from the stands which encourages you to get involved, there are plenty of opportunities for fans to participate in sport and still feel good about themselves.
More Than Meets The Eye
Although we often think about professional sports in terms of the players, there is so much more to the world of sport. While the game on the field may be the most recognizable aspect of professional sports, it’s the coverage of the game which makes it interesting and exciting for the fans. Additionally, many professional sports teams are also closely associated with charitable causes – from supporting local communities to paying tribute to former players and coaches who have passed away.
This is just a small selection of the ways that sports have changed, due to technology. As the landscape of social media continues to evolve and expand, so too will the ways in which athletes and sports figures can engage with their audiences.