I’m really bothered by the Olympic Social Media Policy that will be enforced during this month’s summer games.
It’s not just bothersome that the Olympic committees are making a huge mistake by trying to infringe on social media’s values of freedom for their own commerical purposes, but more so that they’re blind to the magnitude and potential social media holds. The policies to be enforced, if they truly are, will ruin a big part of what’s to be one of the most exciting aspects of these Olympics. After all, these games are considered to be the first “socialympics.” It just makes these policies ironic, but in the bad kind of way.
Let’s face it. The World Cup and Super Bowl are infinitely more exciting because of social media. The statuses, tweets, bickering, and jubilation shared between friends and fans across the realm of all social networks is as fun to participate in as it is to observe. I know I’m not the only one who enjoys seeing what others are thinking and commenting on during major sporting events, even if I have no emotional stake in a given game. And seeing photos and videos from the arenas of those who are watching a sporting event live– it just makes a fan’s experience, whether from the sidelines or from the comfort of watching at home better.
Sure, the Olympic Social Media Policies don’t restrict users from using social media at all. But they are just ruining the best part of social media: the social of it. The act of sharing on social media, the free flow of communication, where anyone can start a conversation and spread news, i.e., the core aspects of all social media are what’s being frowned upon. Instead of letting Olympic conversations go where they will, based on what will happen, and the unexpectedness of live events, sharing unauthorized content from the Olympics is what’s prohibited. Pictures, videos, portals to non sponsored links and content. That’s what’s being “censored.”
All of the things that have made social media what it is today. What a shame.
