Who could forget the Giants’ 9-play, 88-yard drive late in the fourth quarter to seal the deal in Super Bowl XLVI?

Who could forget, dare I say, the NCAA’s announcement of penalties against Penn State?

And, who could forget Michael Phelps’ historic, record-book Olympic performance just days ago?

If you’re an active sports social media user and were on social media during any of those times, the answer: no one.

Digital platforms give us quick, real-time updates to games and announcements. To be frank, they are ultimately changing the way we consume news.

What used to be a sitting-duck process of waiting to find out scores or learning MJ was taking his talents to the baseball diamond  is now, like magic, an instant poof of info on your favorite social media outlet.

Here’s why social media will only grow with sports:

1. It’s a team sport— When it comes to sports media in the digital world, it’s all about a team effort. For athletes, coaches, journalists and broadcasters, social media serves as a way to expand their brand, build a community and stay connected with fans. Pros have even ditched the traditional press conference and used social media to make big announcements like Shaq did when he declared his retirement via Twitter. On the flip side, reporters now use outlets, such as Twitter, to obtain athletes’ statements to use in articles or other news pieces.
2. It’s a no-huddle offense approach— Just like Ricky Bobby said, “If you ain’t first, you’re last.” Social media is speedy, and if you’re not in the game, you’re going to be benched. We have become accustomed to this “I-want-it-now” lifestyle where it’s not about what just happened; it’s about what is happening now. Social media gives us that instant fix.  This is why we are seeing shows like Mike & Mike in the Morning and publications such as Sports Illustrated post questions, share photos, give updates and break news via social media—everyone on both sides of the ball wants the latest and greatest news.
3. It’s a powerful halftime speech—Good or bad, everyone is a critic in the sports world.  Blogs, microblogs and statuses give individuals the option to voice their opinion, respond to a question or give an update to a game. The various social media platforms give others the chance to channel their inner Erin Andrews and provide their own commentary to what’s going on under the lights.

 

Let’s face the music; social media is not fading anytime soon. It has become an essential “need” like food—to some, without it, we couldn’t survive. No matter the platform, day or time, digital media is a way individuals can feel like contributors and part of the game, carrying on the conversation before, during and after a slam dunk event in the sports world.