Due to the current popularity of social media, microblogging is a common tool used in athletics. Sites such as Twitter can be very helpful with recruiting or communicating with current or potential players and supporters. However, it can also provide a platform where disgruntled players, parents or supporters can create negativity, spread rumors or simply bash a program. It can be a useful tool if managed appropriately. I find it cumbersome to manage, but believe that it is a necessary evil.
I agree that with you when you say that it can have a positive affect recruiting tool. Being a coach myself it is very helpful because they can see what is taking place on your team and follow the player. On the flip side it cause more drama than anything. I agree that it has a negative effect at times I think its has a more negative effect than positive from previous experience. As a coach I try to monitor it and make sure my players are positive on social media to try to eliminate drama before it even starts.
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Wendy S. Markusen
1/26/2014 06:57:54 am
I agree with you completely. In public education, especially middle school and high school of course, we have to hear about social media and microblogging all day long. With the recent new education law in CA involving "cyber-bullying" the school system is now obligated to investigating these sites when behavior from online tools carries over onto the school campus. It is very frustrating and can be overwhelming to deal with, especially when many parents have NO CLUE what their teenagers are doing online.