Amy Stephens
MS, RDN, CSSD, CDCES
Licensed dietitian
specializing in sports nutrition
and eating disorders
How social media affects athletes
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By Amy Stephens RDN CSSD
Sara Fischer, Intern - Edited by Amy Gregorek
Social media can be a great place for athletes to connect with other athletes, share content about their own journeys, and follow their favorite pros. However, social media can also become a toxic environment for those who are not cognizant of its impact.
- Social media can be a catalyst for negative thoughts about body image, caused by comparison to others. It is impossible to know whether an account owner is editing their photos, posing in a certain way, or the relationship they have with their own bodies. With that said, comparison to others on social media often becomes an unavoidable truth.
- Creators may use social media as an outlet to spread information or advice on topics like training, nutrition, and “tips for athletes” despite not always being licensed professionals. It is important to consume information written by professional, credible sources because the viral wellness tips or popular hashtags shared online can be polluted with misinformation. For an innocent scroller, differentiating the two can be challenging.
- Social media may cause an athlete to think their own wins are not good enough. For example, a runner may feel proud of themselves for running 6 miles without stopping, and then they may open Instagram and see that another runner ran 7 miles at a faster pace, and their pride can turn into disappointment.
- Social media promotes quick fixes. Too often athletes get caught up in looking for the easy and fast route, whether that be to heal an injury or improve their performance. If something online looks easy, it probably isn’t true.
- Social media platforms provide medical advice for various symptoms often obtained from unreliable sources. This poses a significant risk to consumers and hinders an athlete from seeking a thorough evaluation by a qualified medical professional. Relying on untrustworthy information can impede and delay a timely delivery of care.
Where should athletes get their information?
- Injury recovery/Diagnosis: Their own medical doctor (MD), physical therapist (PT) or coach
- Fueling/Nutrition: Registered Sports Dietitian/Nutritionist who focus on fueling for performance
- Training plan/lifting plan: Directly from their coach, physical therapist, or athletic trainer
*Make sure the person providing advice has training in the specified area.
How to use social media in a positive way?
Be a conscious consumer! Seek out accounts that promote a positive body image and convey positive messages. If certain posts spark feelings of dread, sadness, or uneasiness, it may be beneficial to unfollow those accounts.
Be skeptical when it comes to products and services endorsed by influencers lacking relevant education or expertise in the field. It’s important to remember that their primary goal is to sell a product or service. They may present the product in an appealing manner to achieve that objective.
There is no supplement, powder or pill that will help you perform better. The key is to follow a well-balanced diet, prioritize recovery, and follow a suitable training plan.