SPORTS AND ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKING: EXISTING WAYS OF USING IN A POPULATION OF 2255 DEVELOPMENTAL AGED SUBJECTS

Purpose: The aim of this study is to define the existing relationships between secondary school-aged students and the sport-related usages of social networks (SN). Method: The study cohort consist of 2255 subjects (M 48.74%,... [ view full abstract ]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to define the existing relationships between secondary school-aged students and the sport-related usages of social networks (SN).

Method: The study cohort consist of 2255 subjects (M 48.74%, F 51.26%) aged between 11 and 19 years old (height 1.66±0.36 m, weight 55.49±12.47 kg, BMI 20.12±5.13 kg/m²). As secondary schools organization system define, the sample has been divided in lower grade (LG) level from 11 to 14 years old (41.95%), and upper grade (UG) from 15 to 19 years old (58.05%). Randomized sub-cohorts, of thirty-eight selected secondary schools inside northern Italy area, have been included in the research. Both groups were asked to fill a create-themed questionnaire (18 items) based on sectoral literature evidences.

Results: The 79.51% perform sport activities during leisure time, while in relation to SN subscription the same subjects confirm a 84.43% of positivity, of which 61.52% also inclined for sport-related targets. The mean age of social network sign-up obtained is 12.48±1.60 years old; and the most used platforms are Facebook (82.07%), and Instagram (61.53%). SN usage reasons: keep in contact with friends and peers (71.98%), and spend spare time (52.43%). SN sport-related usage reasons: keep tuned on news (42.59%), plan events / meetings / shared activities (36.40%), and service announcements (29.75%). SN sport-related actions benefits (5-point Likert Scale): related-events Ad’s (3.20±1.21), share photos (3.10±1.19), and videos (3.10±1.18). The 60% of subscripted subjects upload on SN sport-related images: of belonging discipline (29.59%), of themselves achieving successes (28.93%), and of favourite sportsman/athlete (20.76%).

Conclusion and Implications: The 62.12% of the cohort have never received information on the correct use of SN and web security. Additionally, further investigations could support the provided search paths trying to include more specifically sport-related usages topics, of SN, during developmental age.