World Athletics Reports Alarming Trends in Online Abuse of Athletes During Paris 2024 Olympic Games
World Athletics has published findings from a study on online abuse directed at athletes during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, revealing that over 48% of the detected abuse was racist or sexualized in nature. A total of 809 abusive posts were verified among 355,873 analyzed, with particular targeting of two athletes. This research underscores the ongoing issue of harassment in sports and highlights the organizational commitment to create a safer online environment for athletes.
World Athletics, in observance of World Mental Health Month, has released findings from its recent study into online abuse directed towards athletes during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This marks the fourth comprehensive review by the organization on the matter, underscoring the persistent issues of racism and sexualized harassment prevalent in social media interactions with athletes. The study, executed in partnership with Signify Group, utilized advanced artificial intelligence tools to analyze interactions across four major social media platforms—Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. A total of 1,917 athletes were under scrutiny, with 355,873 posts and comments assessed for abusive content over the duration of the Games, including a surrounding 48-hour period. From this extensive analysis, 809 posts were verified as abusive, with a significant proportion being discriminatory in nature. Key findings of the report reveal that over 48% of the detected abuse was attributed to racism (18%) and sexualized abuse (30%). The study indicates a troubling trend of targeted attacks, particularly against two athletes who collectively faced 82% of the total abuse recorded. Additionally, 49% of the abuse was directed at United States athletes, who comprised merely 7.8% of the total athlete sample. The report highlights a stark contrast in the nature of abuse faced by male and female athletes; male athletes predominantly encountered racial abuse, while female athletes were often subjected to a mix of sexualized and sexist comments. World Athletics President, Sebastian Coe, emphasized the profound impact such abuse can have on athletes’ mental health and performance, reiterating the organization’s commitment to creating a safer online environment for athletes to engage with fans and fulfill their professional commitments.
The ongoing prevalence of online harassment, particularly in the realm of sports, has become an increasingly pressing concern for governing bodies such as World Athletics. This study is part of a broader research initiative aimed at understanding and combating the abuse directed towards athletes across social media platforms. Previous studies have illustrated a growing trend of abusive behavior targeting athletes, prompting the establishment of protective measures and policies designed to safeguard those competing at elite levels. Through technological advancements and strategic partnerships, World Athletics aims to ensure that athletes can benefit from their social media presence while minimizing the risks associated with abuse.
In conclusion, the findings of the study reveal alarming levels of online abuse that athletes continue to face, with racist and sexualized content leading the categories of harassment. The commitment shown by World Athletics and securing partnerships with organizations like Signify Group demonstrates a proactive approach in addressing these issues. Through ongoing research and advocacy for protective measures, World Athletics aims to foster a safer environment for athletes, thereby supporting their mental health and well-being as they compete on the world stage.
Original Source: worldathletics.org
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