Social Media Backlash: The Silent Career Killer in Modern Sports

We live in a different world now and online abuse affects players

The Cost of Lost Faith: Understanding the Emotional Impact on Football Teams

How Online Abuse Is Affecting Athletes’ Mental Health and Performance

OK, time to expose the naivety of another comment.

The article: When Belief Breaks Down: The Hidden Cost of Lost Faith in a Manager

The comment:

"The whole club are a shambles.

"Every one of them is supposed to be "PROFESSIONAL". If they cannot take criticism without losing abit of confidence in themselves then they are in the wrong job. It's not a career at Morrisons stacking shelves, they are paid a dump truck full of money every week to remain professional, maintain professional performances, rise above the comments, and get results. They look championship level at best.

"Not a single player or staff look like they want to be there. 'Nice' play on the pitch isn't good enough. Stop conceding stupid goals, score some ***k*** goals yourselves and get some ***k*** results."

I get the frustration, but let's look at this with common sense.

It is a misconception that professional athletes should be impervious to criticism due to their substantial earnings.

The Human Element in Professional Sports

Professional athletes...

Despite their public personas and large wages...

Are fundamentally human. 

They experience emotions...

Vulnerabilities...

And psychological challenges...

The same as everyone else.

The expectation that they should seamlessly absorb criticism...

Without impact...

Dismisses the reality...

That mental...

And emotional resilience varies among individuals.​

The Psychological Impact of Persistent Criticism

Continuous negative feedback...

Especially when pervasive and personal... 

Can erode an athlete's confidence...

And mental well-being. 

It is no different to people in the street...

Constantly criticising you...

In a deeply personal way...

When you walk down the street...

Especially if it is incessant every day.

This phenomenon isn't exclusive to sports; 

In any profession...

Relentless criticism without constructive intent...

Can diminish performance and motivation. 

Athletes, under constant public scrutiny...

Often face amplified pressures...

That can lead to anxiety...

Depression...

Or burnout.

And I have explained many times...

How anxiety causes mistakes.

Anxiety can mean you lose use of your limbs...

And your voice.

If you have never had...

Or witnessed...

And had to deal with one of these anxiety driven attacks...

Then let me tell you...

People...

You...

Simply don't understand what is going on.

I, personally, have had to deal with this in others regularly​.

It creates a mental block...

And what is on the other side is just too frightening...

To the individual.

Eric Bristow – Darts 

Eric Bristow...

The Crafty Cockney...

Was the best darts player in the world...

Easily...

Yet he developed the yips...

He couldn't let go of the dart.

The very same thing happened to me.

Because you don't think the dart is going to go where you ant it to go...

Your brain stops you letting go of it...

And you literally can't throw it.

You arm...

Your hand...

Will go back and forth in the throwing action...

But your fingers will simply not let go.

You have to get yourself into the frame on mind...

That you don't care where it goes...

To be able to physically release it...

And that is of no use to a sportsman...

Or a winning mentality.

Bernard Langer – Golf

Bernard Langer is a golfing major winner...

But he developed the yips on the putting green.

He couldn't strike the ball...

Because his brain had determined...

It wasn't going to go into the hole if he hit it.

So anxiety has a negative effect...

However much you are paid...

Langer was earning millions in winnings!

Simone Biles – Gymnastics

At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics...

Simone Biles withdrew from several events...

Due to a condition known as the "twisties"...

Where gymnasts lose spatial awareness mid-air. 

This mental block posed significant safety risks...

And highlighted the intense psychological pressures elite athletes face. 

Biles' openness about her mental health challenges...

Sparked global conversations about athlete well-being.​

Source: People.com

Michael Phelps – Swimming

The most decorated Olympian in history, Michael Phelps...

Has been candid about his battles with depression...

And suicidal thoughts. 

Despite his success...

Phelps emphasised that achievements do not shield one from mental health struggles...

Advocating for increased awareness and support for athletes.​

Naomi Osaka – Tennis

In 2021, tennis star Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open...

Citing mental health concerns. 

She revealed experiencing long bouts of depression and anxiety...

Particularly in the wake of press conferences...

And public scrutiny. 

Osaka's decision brought attention to the mental health challenges faced by athletes in high-pressure environments.​

Source: whitesandstreatment.com

Adam Peaty – Swimming

British Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty has spoken about his struggles with depression...

And alcohol dependency...

Which led him to take a break from the sport. 

Despite his achievements...

Peaty emphasised the importance of addressing mental health issues...

And the need for support systems for athletes.​

Source: The Irish Sun

Gracie Gold – Figure Skating

American figure skater Gracie Gold has been open about her battles with depression...

Anxiety,...

And an eating disorder. 

At one point...

She experienced suicidal thoughts...

And took a hiatus from skating to focus on her mental health. 

Her journey underscores the psychological toll that competitive sports can exert on athletes.​Source: Wikipedia

Graham Thorpe – Cricket

Former England cricketer Graham Thorpe faced a long battle with depression...

Which was exacerbated by personal and professional challenges. 

His struggles highlight that mental health issues can affect athletes...

Even after retirement...

Emphasising the need for ongoing support.​

Sadly, batsman and later England batting coach, he is no longer with us. 

RIP Graham.

Source: The Sun

These examples illustrate that mental health challenges...

Are prevalent among athletes across various sports. 

Recognising and addressing these issues is crucial...

Not only for the well-being of the athletes...

But also for fostering a more empathetic...

And supportive sports culture.

Something totally alien to many Spurs fans.

The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Pressure

Social media platforms have become arenas where athletes are subjected to immediate and often harsh judgments. 

People think they can abuse you because they are anonymous.

And when it does affect you...

They complain it's affecting you...

Effectively!

These platforms expose athletes to a barrage of unsolicited opinions and criticisms. 

And let's face it...

Vile abuse.

The immediacy and permanence of online comments...

Can...

And does...

Intensify feelings of inadequacy and stress...

Affecting on-field performance...

And overall mental health.​

Source: PMC

Constructive Support vs. Destructive Criticism

While feedback is integral to growth...

The manner in which it's delivered matters. 

Constructive criticism aims to guide and improve...

Whereas destructive criticism often stems from frustration or bias,,,

Offering little value. 

For athletes to thrive...

A supportive environment that balances honest feedback with encouragement is essential.​

Shared Responsibility in Athlete Well-being

Fans and the broader community play a role in shaping the mental landscape of athletes. 

Recognising the influence of public opinion...

And striving for empathy can foster a healthier environment.

Celebrities whose careers were significantly impacted or ended due to the public lashing out at them:

• Kevin Spacey – Hollywood Actor 
• Mel Gibson – Hollywood Actor 
• Will Smith – Hollywood Actor 
• Armie Hammer – Hollywood Actor 
• Roseanne Barr – Hollywood Actress
• Elizabeth Berkley – Hollywood Actress
• Phillip Schofield – ITV presenter
• Jade Goody –  Reality TV contestant
• Jo O'Meara – Former S Club 7 singer
• Danielle Lloyd – Model and television personality
• Katie Hopkins – Media figure
• James Arthur – X Factor winner

Celebrities Affected by Social Media Abuse

• Jesy Nelson – The former Little Mix singer endured relentless online bullying about her appearance, leading to stress-induced alopecia, an eating disorder, and a suicide attempt in 2013. Source: ​Wikipedia

• Kelly Marie Tran – After her role in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Tran faced racist and misogynistic abuse online, prompting her to delete her social media posts and retreat from the public eye. Years of therapy helped her to eventually return to her acting career. ​Source: Business Insider

• Selena Gomez – Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2020, Gomez has been open about the challenges of discussing mental health publicly. Despite facing criticism, she continues to advocate for mental health awareness and support. Source: ​People.com

• Meghan Markle – The Duchess of Sussex has spoken about the severe online bullying she experienced, particularly during her pregnancies, which led to significant mental health struggles, including suicidal thoughts. Source: ​New York Post

• Caroline Flack – The British TV presenter faced intense media scrutiny and online harassment, contributing to her tragic suicide in 2020. . ​

• Hayden Panettiere – Following the death of her brother, Panettiere opened up about her mental health struggles and criticized the toxicity of social media, emphasising the need for empathy and understanding. Source: ​Page Six

• Etika (Desmond Amofah) – The YouTuber faced mental health challenges exacerbated by online trolling and the pressures of internet fame, leading to his suicide in 2019. Source: ​Wikipedia

• Brita Filter – The RuPaul's Drag Race contestant experienced severe online harassment, leading to a near-fatal overdose. Now an advocate for mental health awareness within the LGBTQ+ community. Source: ​Them

• Eugenia Cooney – The YouTuber has faced ongoing scrutiny and petitions to remove her content due to concerns about promoting eating disorders. The public pressure and online criticism have had a significant impact on her mental health. Source: ​Wikipedia

• Amanda Todd – Although not a celebrity in the traditional sense, Todd's suicide after enduring cyberbullying brought global attention to the devastating effects of online harassment on mental health. Source: ​Wikipedia

These cases underscore the profound impact that social media abuse can have on individuals...

Regardless of their public status. 

They highlight the urgent need for greater empathy...

Responsible online behaviour...

And robust support systems for those in the public eye.

By promoting respectful discourse...

And understanding there is a human behind the athlete...

We contribute to a culture that values well-being...

And thus helps performance.​

Spurs fans need to understand the profound impact of their words...

Which can lead to a loss of performance on the pitch.

And you say you're a supporter?

COYS

The article to read if you haven't already: Forget Talent – This Is Why New Zealand Wins and Tottenham Doesn’t (Yet) - how Tottenham Hotspur can turn themselves into winners

Tottenham Hotspur are guilty of: The Elastic Band Principle and Tottenham Hotspur’s Coaching Identity

Another hard-hitting THBN article coming next - That's how children behave and these people are parents!

Proper Supporters Support Bill Nicholson Style

Readers' question answered:

What kind of "winning mentality" thinks losing league games doesn’t matter? - you think you know what a winning mentality is, but you don't

Tottenham Hotspur Are Building a Lancaster Bomber – Not a Mosquito - Spurs' Lancaster Bomber is still in the factory and we are having to deal with deserters

COYS