WARNING
The report you are about to view contains references to discriminatory, violent and threatening content that has been directed at student-athletes, coaches and officials from abusive online users. The NCAA condemns this behavior and is committed to driving change about this issue.
This warning serves to prepare readers for the disturbing nature of the content under the included pilot study link they are about to encounter. The examples provided in the report illustrate the severity of online abuse faced by individuals in college sports. By issuing this caution, Packed House Sports demonstrates its responsibility in presenting sensitive material while aligning with the NCAA’s stance against such reprehensible behavior
The Story
Recently, the NCAA, in partnership with Signify Group, conducted a groundbreaking pilot study using artificial intelligence to monitor and analyze online abuse directed at athletes, coaches, and officials during select championships in 2023 and 2024. Utilizing Signify’s Threat Matrix service, the study focused on identifying, categorizing, and addressing abusive content across major social media platforms. The AI-powered system monitored public accounts and mentions, investigating and taking action on verified instances of abuse. While private direct messages were not proactively monitored, support was provided for reported issues. The study aimed to better understand the impact of online harassment on NCAA participants and establish mechanisms for accountability, ultimately working towards improving the well-being of individuals in college sports.
The NCAA pilot study on online harassment in college sports reveals several concerning trends and highlights the need for increased protection of student-athletes, coaches, and officials. Here’s a breakdown of the key findings:
Prevalence and Types of Abuse
Sexual abuse emerged as the most common form of harassment, accounting for 18% of all detected abuse. This is particularly alarming given the vulnerability of student-athletes and the potential long-term impacts on their well-being.
Sports betting-related abuse and match-fixing allegations made up 12% of all identified abuse, surpassing even racist abuse targeted at athletes. This suggests that the problem extends beyond the scope of the pilot study and likely affects other college sports as well.
Gender Disparities
Female athletes were disproportionately targeted, receiving three times the amount of abuse compared to their male counterparts during high-profile events like March Madness. This gender-based disparity highlights the need for tailored protection and support for female athletes.
Event-Specific Risks
March Madness attracted a significant amount of abusive content, accounting for 80% of the detected abuse in the study. However, the study also found that smaller events like volleyball and gymnastics sometimes flagged more concerning instances than major championships, indicating that risks are present across all levels of competition.
Mental Health Impacts
The study underscores the potential mental health consequences for athletes, coaches, and officials exposed to online abuse. One athlete received over 1,400 abusive messages in just two weeks, demonstrating the overwhelming volume of harassment some individuals face.
Violent Content and Threats
Violent content was alarmingly prevalent, making up 6% of the overall study with 380 instances. The study also identified 96 accounts for further investigation due to potential threats and risks, highlighting the need for proactive measures to ensure the safety of those involved in college sports.
Private Messaging
The study revealed that abusive content is sent both publicly and privately, with college athletes receiving threats and abuse through direct messages that they often have to handle on their own. This underscores the need for comprehensive support systems and education on dealing with online harassment.
Implications and Future Steps
The findings of this pilot study emphasize the urgent need for action to protect student-athletes, coaches, and officials from online abuse. The NCAA is advocating for social media platforms to address the root of the problem by more proactively identifying and removing abusive content.
Additionally, the organization is expanding its e-learning content to educate student-athletes on handling abusive threats and addressing the risks associated with sports betting.Moving forward, the NCAA plans to continue working with various stakeholders, including campus leaders, social platforms, law enforcement, betting operators, and government officials, to combat this behavior and drive positive change in college sports and society at large.
Recap of the Executive Summary
PROTECTING ATHLETES, COACHES & OFFICIALS – THE DATA FOR TOP 10 FINDINGS
- Sexual abuse was the most prevalent type of content used to target
athletes (18% of all detected abuse). - Sports Betting related abuse and match-fixing allegations made up
12% of all abuse identified – 743 instances (More than the level of
Racist abuse targeted at athletes). This demonstrates that other
college sports (outside of the pilot scope) will already be receiving
volumes of abuse. - Abusive content is sent privately as well as publicly. College athletes
received abuse and threats over DMs that they have to deal with on
their own. - Violent content was also concerningly high with 380 instances (6% of
the overall study). - Female athletes received 3x the amount of abuse of men in a
championship like March Madness. - March Madness athletes need protecting from social media abuse.
The extra attention that fell upon this year’s event drew both viewers
and abusive content in equal measure – 80% of the detected abuse in
this study came from that event. - Threat and risk is present in amongst the content captured. This study
marked out 96 accounts for further investigation in this regard. - Risks do not always come from the big events – in some instances,
Volleyball and Gymnastics flagged more concerning instances of
concern than March Madness or Football Championships. - The mental health of athletes will be impacted by not just the type of
content, but also the volume. One athlete received over 1,400
abusive messages in the space of 2 weeks. - It is not just players – Coaches, Officials and NCAA Committee
Members require support on this issue.
