Savanna Hoffman
Social media monitoring is widespread among university athletic departments, with many universities employing third-party companies to monitor their student-athletes' online activity. While universities claim that monitoring is done to ensure student-athletes' wellness and to prevent violations of NCAA rules, privacy and free speech concerns have been raised by critics. Universities that monitor social media include Ohio State University, Texas Tech, the University of Akron, Florida State University, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Georgia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Universities monitoring student-athletes' social media use | Widespread among university athletic departments, including the University of Georgia, the University of Akron, Florida State University, Oklahoma State University, the University of Colorado, and Western Kentucky University |
| Social media platforms monitored | Twitter, Facebook, TikTok |
| Methods of monitoring | Third-party vendors, such as Fieldhouse Media; social media managers or full teams at larger universities; team managers or coaches at smaller universities |
| Consequences of inappropriate social media use | Written reprimands, temporary suspension from the team, dismissal from the team, loss of athletic aid or scholarships |
| Universities' stance on monitoring | The University of Arkansas does not have a formal monitoring program and instead believes that their student-athletes understand the importance of managing their brand and the university's brand |
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What You'll Learn
University social media monitoring is widespread
The University of Georgia, for example, has detailed guidelines for its men's basketball team, advising them to make their Facebook accounts private and allowing Twitter usage only with a signed agreement, revocable at any time. Similarly, the soccer, baseball, and football teams at other universities require signed agreements to policies that reference social media monitoring. These agreements may include broad consent to dorm-room inspections and waivers of Fourth Amendment rights, raising concerns about privacy invasion.
The University of Colorado takes a different approach, mandating that cell phones be turned off during team meals, tutoring sessions, athletic training, and meetings with the athletic department. Additionally, the women's soccer team at Western Kentucky University prohibits its members from using cell phones in class and during practice. Such restrictive policies on speech and online activity have sparked debates about students' First Amendment rights and the limits of free speech.
While some universities opt for in-house monitoring, others consider third-party vendors for social media surveillance. Fieldhouse Media, for instance, offers social media monitoring services, although the University of Arkansas has chosen not to employ their services, trusting their student-athletes to manage their online presence responsibly. Nevertheless, the university does reserve the right to request the removal of content deemed malicious or detrimental to the university's brand.
The issue of inappropriate content posted by student athletes, particularly men, has led universities and athletic departments to consider bans on social media usage or the implementation of third-party monitoring systems. However, these reactive approaches fail to address the root of the problem. Instead, educational initiatives, such as the "Teaching College Athletes Social Media Appropriateness" project by Christina Murray, aim to empower athletes to understand the implications of their online behaviour and make informed decisions about their social media content.
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Student-athletes' privacy rights are debated
Student-athletes' privacy rights are a topic of ongoing debate. While universities have an interest in protecting their brand and reputation, student-athletes have a right to privacy and freedom of speech. The monitoring of student-athletes' social media accounts by university athletic departments has been characterised as an invasion of privacy. However, some universities argue that they do not have formal monitoring programs and that their student-athletes understand the importance of managing their online presence.
University athletic departments have been known to implement social media guidelines and policies that student-athletes must follow. These guidelines can include restrictions on social media usage, such as requiring Facebook accounts to be set to private, allowing Twitter usage only with signed agreements, and prohibiting the use of cell phones during certain times and activities. Some universities also reserve the right to monitor social media content and request that any inappropriate or malicious content be removed.
Consequences for violating these guidelines can be significant, ranging from written reprimands to team suspension, loss of scholarships, and dismissal from athletic teams. While these consequences do not violate federal law, they do raise questions about students' rights to freedom of speech and privacy. According to Bradley Shear, an attorney specialising in social media, more states are adopting social networking privacy laws to protect individuals from being forced to provide their social media account information to educational institutions.
Instead of monitoring, some universities focus on educating student-athletes about social media appropriateness. This includes helping them understand the potential consequences of their online activity and how it can impact their personal and university brands. However, critics argue that reactive responses, such as bans on social media usage, do not effectively address the issue. A more proactive approach, such as providing educational resources and workshops, can empower student-athletes to make informed decisions about their online behaviour.
While universities have a responsibility to maintain their public image, it is essential to balance this with respect for student-athletes' privacy and freedom of expression. The debate surrounding student-athletes' privacy rights highlights the need for clear and fair guidelines that protect both the interests of the university and the rights of its student community.
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Third-party monitoring is an option for universities
The monitoring of student-athletes' social media accounts is widespread among university athletic departments. While some universities have implemented strict policies and guidelines, others have chosen to educate their student-athletes on appropriate social media usage. In some cases, universities have also considered or implemented third-party monitoring systems to help manage their student-athletes' social media presence.
One of the main advantages of third-party monitoring is the specialized knowledge and tools that these companies can offer. They are often well-versed in the latest social media trends and platforms, and can provide strategic insights to help athletes navigate their online presence effectively. Additionally, third-party vendors can work closely with universities to develop tailored strategies that align with the institution's brand and values. This ensures that the student-athletes' online behaviour reflects positively on both the individual and the university they represent.
However, the decision to employ third-party monitoring is not without its considerations. Some universities, like the University of Arizona (UofA), have expressed concerns about the potential invasion of privacy that comes with external monitoring. UofA's assistant athletic director for student-athlete development and administration, Marcus Sedberry, stated that they believe their student-athletes are capable of managing their online brand and making smart decisions. While they are open to conversations about third-party monitoring, they prioritize the well-being and autonomy of their student-athletes.
Another aspect to consider is the potential for overreach or restrictive policies that may infringe upon students' rights. While universities have an interest in maintaining their public image, it is essential to balance this with the freedom of speech rights of student-athletes. Some universities, like the University of Akron, Florida State University, and Oklahoma State University, have been clear in their social media policies, stating that freedom of speech has limitations. In contrast, other universities might prefer to focus on education and guidance, empowering student-athletes to make informed decisions about their online behaviour.
In conclusion, third-party monitoring is a viable option for universities aiming to manage their student-athletes' social media presence effectively. While it offers specialized expertise and strategic advantages, it also raises questions about privacy and the potential for overregulation. Ultimately, each university must weigh the benefits of third-party monitoring against their commitment to fostering autonomy and responsible social media usage among their student-athletes.
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Social media education is a preventative measure
For instance, the University of the Pacific has a project in place that focuses on social media education for college athletes. It aims to make athletes more aware of their social media presence and guide them on how to navigate the digital landscape responsibly. This approach is more sustainable than reactive responses, such as bans or third-party monitoring systems, which do not address the root cause of the problem.
Similarly, the University of Arkansas (UofA) emphasizes the importance of educating student-athletes about social media usage. They integrate this education into freshmen orientation and career development programs, recognizing that student-athletes need guidance on distinguishing between appropriate and inappropriate content. While UofA does not have a formal monitoring program, they reserve the right to review content and request its removal if it negatively impacts the university's brand or the student's future prospects.
Social media education can also extend beyond simply preventing inappropriate content. It can empower student athletes to harness the positive aspects of social media, such as self-promotion, recruitment, securing sponsors, and advocating for important causes. It can enhance team communication, build social connections, and even provide emotional support.
By investing in social media education, universities can empower student athletes to make informed decisions about their online presence, both now and in their future endeavors.
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Student-athletes' freedom of speech is limited
The University of Akron, Florida State University, and Oklahoma State University explicitly state in their social media policies that "freedom of speech is not unlimited." They also remind their student-athletes that their social media activity can impact their future careers, as employers, graduate school admissions, and scholarship committees often review social media sites when evaluating applicants. As a result, universities often encourage their athletes to make their accounts private or to have signed agreements in place before using certain platforms.
In some cases, universities have hired third-party vendors to monitor their student-athletes' social media activity. For example, Fieldhouse Media offers social media monitoring services to universities, although the University of Arkansas (UofA) has stated that they do not use a third-party vendor and instead believe that their student-athletes can make smart decisions regarding their online activity.
The monitoring of student-athletes' social media accounts raises concerns about invasion of privacy and free speech rights. While universities argue that they are preparing their athletes for the future and protecting their institutions' brands, the line between guidance and restriction can become blurred. Some universities, like the University of Maryland, have conducted audits to survey the policies and sanctions of different universities, which include written reprimands, team suspension, and even the loss of scholarships and dismissal from athletic teams.
To address the issue of inappropriate social media content, some universities have implemented educational programs to teach student-athletes about social media appropriateness. Christina Murray's project at the University of the Pacific, for example, aims to increase athletes' awareness of their social media content and help them understand the difference between appropriate and inappropriate messages. Ultimately, the goal is to empower athletes to make informed decisions about their online activity and expression.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, monitoring student athletes' social media accounts is widespread among university athletic departments.
The University of Georgia, the University of Akron, Florida State University, Oklahoma State University, the University of Colorado, Western Kentucky University, and the University of Maryland are some of the universities that monitor their student athletes' social media use.
Universities may require signed agreements to policies that reference social media, encourage athletes to make their accounts private, or hire third-party monitoring systems.
Consequences for violating social media guidelines can include written reprimands, temporary suspension from the team, dismissal from the team, and loss of athletic aid or scholarships.
Education and guidance on social media appropriateness are key to helping student athletes avoid inappropriate social media use. Universities can provide social media training and workshops to help athletes understand what content is appropriate or inappropriate to post.
