Social media can be an amazing tool for athletes when used properly and positively. But with anything else when it is mishandled and misused, it can create unintended consequences. What can be the worst part is that student-athletes may not understand their missteps at the time. What student-athletes think is a funny post, tweet or video at one point in their lives can come back to haunt them in their future with potential colleges…and beyond.
Here are ways to USE social media as a student-athlete:
1) Take the time to say thank you to those who support you like family, teachers, friends & coaches for example. A simple thank you can go a long way and is appreciated that you took the time out to express your gratitude.
2) Remember social media is how you are presenting yourself to the public so be wise.
This is why it is important to build your personal brand the right way especially for those who will see what you are all about (who you are, what you represent, what you believe in etc.) before they meet you in person. Coaches want to know if you will be a good asset to them so let your social media leave no doubt.
3) Engage & interact in discussion with those you admire & respect.
The purpose of networking is to form relationships with those who’ll help get you to where you want to go. Now, with the access and reach of social media, you could connect to pretty much anybody.
4) Support others by sending positive messages about your peers in other activities or sports. Be a good ambassador by supporting other students, teammates and your school. This behavior can show that you can be a leader and role model to other students and players in college.
Ways student-athletes can avoid MISUSING social media
1) Social media isn’t just something for your own entertainment. It is a digital reflection of your individual brand, your team and even the community you represent. It is a tool…not a toy! Use it wisely.
2) While many kids think they can delete a tweet, post or profile, many don’t realize that content posted on the internet can last forever. Content can be captured in screenshots or saved by other users. Tweets, statuses, posts or photos can be viewed by thousands of people over and over. Remember anything you post in the social media space should be considered public information. Also never retweet or share a post that you know a parent or coach would not approve of. Sharing can give the impression that you agree with the image, gesture, language or video which can tarnish your reputation at your high school and colleges that you are interested in attending.
3) In its simplest form…freedom of speech doesn’t equal freedom from consequences. Avoid getting in the middle of an ugly conversation over the internet because you shared the wrong thing.
Social media is not going away and if anything, continually gets larger as more platforms come into play. Managing it correctly and using simple social media etiquette will help student-athletes now and in the future.