INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON ATHLETE MENTAL HEALTH: A CALL TO ACTION FOR RESPONSIBLE USAGE

Abstract

The rapid evolution of social media has transformed how athletes communicate, engage with fans and manage personal branding. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) offer unparalleled opportunities for visibility, sponsorship and advocacy. It promotes a supportive environment that puts athlete well-being and mental health first by examining positive ways social media platforms supports athletes. The widespread use of social media has increased athletes’ mental health issues by exposing them to previously unheard-of levels of scrutiny and pressure. This article explores how social media influences athletes’ mental health emphasising issues like stigma, inflated expectations and cyberbullying. This issue a call to action for responsible social media use. Athletes can set boundaries to lessen these effects by focusing on reliable support networks limiting their use of social media and giving offline activities priority. By following accounts that support motivation education and positivity they can also curate content. Social media companies and sports leagues must also assume accountability by offering resources, education and mental health support to players, coaches and employees. In the end, fostering a more encouraging atmosphere that puts athletes’ mental health and wellbeing first will require teamwork. To ensure the wellbeing of athletes, athletes, sports organisations and social media platforms must work together.