Twitter is all the talk
We are all finding our feet with the evolution of social media, none more so than sporting bodies all over the world, especially in the Australian Olympics Committee (AOC) and the AFL.
Professional athletes are being forced to follow more stringent policies as the power of social media is exuberated through online stupidity and brain fades.
As we have found out in recent times, there will be breaches in newly developed social media policies.
Sports people all over the world need to follow strict social media policies.
Provocativeness and patience will be the keys as the social media extravaganza continues to evolve as sporting bodies attempt to stamp their authority by eliminating any repeat offences.
The AOC has admitted that they are expecting more and more athletes to infringe its social media policy during the London games. Despite the sanctioning of Nick D’Arcy and Kenrick Monk for an online mister meaner.
AOC media boss Mike Tancared has put all athletes on notice. And the message is simple, “do not vilify anyone on social media.”
Common sense, isn’t it?
Unfortunately not, vilification via twitter is all the talk in Australia due to Brock Mclean, a Carlton footballer, recently letting off some steam on Twitter.
McLean responded to an anonymous coward by inappropriately replying, “No, your mum has given me aids.”
Carlton footballers are repeat offender when it comes to tweeting. A handful of players from the CFC will now be working with the AFL’s respect and responsibility officer in an education program.
It is an issue requiring attention inside the walls at Princess Park.
But, they will learn from their mistakes.
McLean has been sanctioned appropriately and was immediately remorseful for his actions.
There was no sensitivity regarding the anonymous tweeter’s mother, and you wouldn’t expect anyone suffering from aids would have taken serious offence.
There was definitely no suggestion of sexual assault or harassment or bullying. – a la the Will Minson and Port Adelaide fracas.
Twitter clearly states that it does not tend to interfere with content posted by users, giving them the freedom to post information as they see fit. They also give quite a nice little bit of advice, ‘If there is something that you don’t agree with, or find insulting, it’s best to not look at it at all.’
It must be respected that there is always going to be something that people don’t agree with.
Social media has already been well established as powerful beyond measure in terms of the access to and sharing information, and this is the way of the future.
Like most aspects of life, we need to take time to think before we act.
It is easier said than done.
You can follow TD on twitter for less controversial tweets @thomassherlock1