Social media and other second-screen applications continue to impact the way people consume live sporting events. This literature review looks at second-screen experiences in sports, and their impact on the sport communication process.
Abstract
Sports continue to be a significant part of culture, both in the United States and around the world. More than ever, sport communication is a multi-step process that is dynamic, multi-platform and multi-dimensional. Live sporting events are consistently among the most watched–and posted about on social media–television programs of the year. Fans are passionate about their teams, and want to share that passion, while teams and athletes are eager to forge stronger connections with their supporters. The rise of interactive digital technologies as second-screen experiences are continuing to change how fans engage with their teams, and vice versa. While fans tend to be motivated by passion and psychological needs, athletes and teams are more motivated by finding ways to monetize that passion and emotional connection. This paper examines these interactions within the context of second-screen interactive experiences and platforms, as well as how the communication process works in these contexts.
It served as a foundation for my thesis project–creating a second- screen app prototype for the Elon athletic department.
This research expands on my undergraduate senior thesis, which explored social media use in college athletics.
