World athletics has reported a four time increase on athlete abuse on social media.
The sport’s governing body issued their third report into social media abuse during their world championship. Finding 51% of all abuse in the racism and sexualised abuse categories.
449,209 posts and comments were analysed between 18-28 August for abusive content in 16 different languages and additional dialects. X (formerly twitter) and Instagram platforms were monitored.
These findings were then compared to results from the previous study; conducted a year earlier at the Oregon22 World Championships (15-24 July 2022).
The study revealed:
- X (formerly Twitter) was the preferred channel for abusers, accounting for almost 90% of detected abuse, a 500% relative increase compared to 2022.
- Racist abuse made up over one third of all abuse, an increase of 14% from 2022.
- Male athletes faced an increase in abuse. The gender split of abuse being 51% targeting men and 49% targeting women.
- Two athletes out of 1344 monitored received 44% of all accounted abuse between them.
“Athletes should not have to accept abuse as an inevitable consequence of being on these social media platforms” said World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon.
“We are the No.1 Olympic sport and have a responsibility to protect our athletes, on and off the field of play. As we enter an Olympic year, with the extra attention that brings, we are seeking urgent meetings with these platforms to achieve a greater level of enforcement and safeguarding for our athletes.”
Next study to include 2024 Olympic Games
“Over the past six-years World Athletics has invested significant time and money in educating its stakeholders on maximising their potential on digital platforms.
“However, we can only do so, knowing they are protected and not exposed to abuse. In line with our Safeguarding Policy, we will continue to closely monitor developments across these channels to help guide our future programmes and priorities.”
The levels of abuse detected during Budapest were noticeably higher when compared with the previous year’s study. Which was conducted during the World Athletics Championships Oregon22. Of the instances of racist abuse detected, the vast majority came on X.
A fourth study due to be carried out at the Olympic Games in Paris next year. The combined research will then encompass data from two Olympic Games as well as two World Athletics Championships. The events will have been staged across Asia, Europe and North America.
