England Women's Soccer Team Avoids Social Media Amid "Damaging" Online Abuse

Strategic Insights -

As England's women's national soccer team prepares to defend their Women's Euros crown in 2025, players are speaking out about the "damaging" online abuse they receive. The team's stars have revealed that they will avoid social media during future major tournaments to minimize their exposure to negative comments. Striker Alessia Russo and Chelsea star Lauren James shared their experiences with online abuse, detailing how it can push players away from social media platforms. Russo's comments highlighted the impact of social media on her mental well-being, stating that she stopped using the platforms before the 2023 World Cup. James emphasized that the abuse never really stops, but she has become adept at coping with it.

Key Takeaways:

  • England women's national soccer team players will avoid social media during future major tournaments due to the "damaging" online abuse they receive.
  • Striker Alessia Russo revealed that she stopped using social media before the 2023 World Cup due to the negative comments and mental health concerns.
  • Chelsea star Lauren James shared her experience with online abuse, stating that it never really stops and that she has become adept at coping with it.
  • The team's comments come after England's tennis star Katie Boulter detailed the online abuse and death threats she received, including messages sent to her family during the French Open.
  • There has been an uptick in abuse directed towards athletes in recent years, particularly in relation to online sports betting.
  • Experts warn that the rise of sports betting has opened the floodgates for a torrent of abuse towards professional and collegiate leagues.
  • According to an analysis of abusive messages sent via social media to college athletes, 12% were related to sports betting.
  • Over 540 abusive betting-related messages were leveled at men's and women's basketball student-athletes and game officials during March Madness.

Statistics:

  • 12% of abusive messages sent to college athletes via social media were related to sports betting (NCAA analysis).
  • 740 messages were related to sports betting, according to the NCAA analysis.
  • 540 abusive betting-related messages, including death threats, were leveled at men's and women's basketball student-athletes and game officials during March Madness.
  • 39 US states have legalized sports betting.
  • England's women's national soccer team will avoid social media during the 2025 Women's Euros in Switzerland.

Sources:

  • Russo, A. (2023, Tuesday). BBC.
  • James, L. (2023, Tuesday). BBC.
  • Boulter, K. (2023). BBC.
  • NCAA. (2023). Analysis of abusive messages sent via social media to college athletes.
  • Various sources.