The first “social media Olympics” is underway, and the
verdict is out as to whether Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms
are actually enhancing the world’s Olympic experience. The institution of Facebook in 2004 and
Twitter in 2006 have primed the world to not only desire, but to expect instant
access to international news topics, local events and who is eating a
cheeseburger at the food joint down the street.
But, do we want this instant gratification when it comes to
the Olympics? For decades, families and
friends have gathered together around the television to watch the Olympic Games
without any hint about what might happen.
Today, flocks of Twitter and Facebook users are refusing to log-in to
their accounts for fear of seeing live Olympic news ahead of its scheduled air
time on prime time television.
There has always been something about the Olympics that
brings people together, sparks unity among fellow countrymen and generates
national pride. In 2012, social media is
taking that unity away from the Games, because it is eliminating the need to
wait. People can sign-in to their
Twitter accounts at 2 p.m. in the afternoon to find news that would normally
air on TV at 7 p.m. The excitement and
anticipation of the Olympics has been greatly dulled by social media.
On the flip side, social media has opened up an entirely new
way for Olympic athletes to interact with their fans and critics. Michael
Phelps, one of the most popular and well-known swimmers in the world, has
used his Twitter account to send positive messages to his nearly 1 million
followers and thank his supporters.
However, some other athletes’ use of social media has not
been as positive. According to the Wall
Street Journal, two athletes were kicked out of the 2012 Olympic Games for
posting controversial statements on Twitter, and at least one other was
reprimanded for using social media to name their sponsors – a direct violation
of Olympic rules.
Accessible on computers, tablets and virtually any hand-held
device, social media has most definitely influenced the 2012 Olympic
Games. It has enabled the world to know what will happen before we have the
chance to see it happen.
Although having access to news the second it happens has its
benefits, we must also recognize that our need for instant gratification can
sometimes spoil the excitement.
This blog was contributed by Britney Schaeffer.
This blog was contributed by Britney Schaeffer.
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