%0 Journal Article %A Hayes, Michelle %A Filo, Kevin %A Riot, Caroline %A Geurin, Andrea %D 2020 %T Athlete perceptions of social media benefits and challenges during major sport events %U https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/journal_contribution/Athlete_perceptions_of_social_media_benefits_and_challenges_during_major_sport_events/11897913 %2 https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/ndownloader/files/23063741 %K Competitions %K Distraction %K Prosumption %K Prosumers %K Uses-and-gratifications theory %X Numerous studies have focused on athletes’ use of social media by examining the content posted on social media sites, revealing an opportunity to gather firsthand experiences from athletes. Using uses-and-gratifications theory as a theoretical framework to inform an open-ended questionnaire, the authors examined athlete attitudes toward their social media use during a major sport event, as well as the gratifications they received and the challenges they experienced from this use. The study assessed a sample of 57 athletes and their social media use across 20 international major sport events. Findings revealed that social media enabled athletes to communicate with family and friends. Having a connection to home through social media can make athletes feel relaxed in a high-pressure environment. The results reveal uses and gratifications not previously found in research on athlete social media, while also underscoring opportunities for sport organizations to enhance social-media-education programs they provide to athletes. %I Loughborough University