The Dark Side of Social Media Fame for College Athletes

In the world of college sports, social media once promised a golden opportunity for athletes to build personal brands and secure lucrative sponsorship deals. Yet, the dream has turned sour for many, as the darker side of digital fame rears its head.

A Double-Edged Sword

Athletes like Pittsburgh Panthers’ Cam Corhen have found themselves caught in a quagmire of online abuse. Standing tall at 6’10” and known for his 15 points per game, Corhen’s prowess on the court should make him a figure of admiration. Instead, he’s been targeted, with disturbing messages interrupting what should be a celebrated journey. According to NPR, many athletes face similar harassment, a trend that has become an all-too-common aspect of their lives.

Harassment Epidemic

As March Madness sweeps the nation, college basketball players bear the brunt of this harassment. Gamblers, disgruntled fans, and anonymous trolls flood athletes with abuse, putting them under immense stress. Kansas State’s Coleman Hawkins tearfully confessed the toll online criticism had taken on him, echoing a sentiment shared by many of his peers.

The Promise of Fame and Fortune

With the NCAA allowing athletes to earn money from their name, image, and likeness since 2021, social media became a cash cow. Yet, as threats and insults escalate, athletes like Indiana’s Oumar Ballo question if the financial perks outweigh the mental strain.

Indiana’s Oumar Ballo articulated this dilemma: “We have feelings. Imagine waking up and facing someone wishing you failure every day. It’s mentally draining.”

A Hard Choice

The story is similar for Corhen, who experienced a barrage of online harassment after a game injury at Florida State. The abusive messages, often from anonymous accounts, haunted him. “I couldn’t get over that hump last year,” Corhen elucidated. He has since chosen to erase his online presence, a decision his coach, Jeff Capel, supports, suggesting that athletes should focus on being outstanding players rather than social media stars.

Navigating Fame and Scrutiny

Female athletes face additional pressures. The rise of stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has propelled women’s basketball into the limelight, making social media both a platform for growth and a minefield of public scrutiny. Florida State’s Brooke Wyckoff emphasizes the need for educational support to help athletes protect their mental health while building their online presence.

The Future Beyond the Spotlight

Despite potential career opportunities in sports, some athletes, like UNC’s Reniya Kelly, envision a future away from the digital whirlwind. Kelly dreams of a tranquil life, far from the relentless buzz of social media, showing that for some, peace is a more valuable pursuit than fame.

As the digital landscape evolves, college athletes continue to weigh the pros and cons of their digital lives, seeking balance between opportunity and personal wellbeing.