I am currently enrolled in a graduate class that explores computer mediated communication. With my career success reliant on understanding this field, I am obviously excited about learning new things each week.
Last night, our class explored the proliferation of social networking sites on the Internet, as well as the generational gap created by the increased application of new technologies. While the use of new media has certainly impacted folks in all walks of life, and a lot of it is positive, there is some cause for alarm.
The Knight Foundation Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics met yesterday in Washington, D.C. to discuss a number of issues, most notably the changes in recruiting practices and the current state of Title IX. The discussion about recruiting touched on the impact of blogs and online companies on the recruiting process for prospective student-athletes.
When I was being recruited to play baseball in college eight years ago, I was contacted by way of telephone or mail. I didn’t have to worry about tons of text messages or e-mails, and recruiting rankings were in their infancy.
One of the most exciting days I had as a college baseball player came about four weeks before I landed on campus as a freshman. An envelope arrived at my house with an updated roster and fall schedule. I knew nothing about any of my teammates, and I didn’t know how good any of them were until our first day on the field.
These days, pre-teenagers can find out what the world thinks of their athletics talent by doing a simple Internet search. Instead of being surprised when they report to campus, prospective student-athletes know everything about every individual in his or her recruiting class. Nothing is left up to the imagination, and I find that bothersome.
Additionally, we can’t discount the intrusive nature of the Internet. There isn’t any place to hide as online recruiting companies hound prospective student-athletes for any information they can make public. When these kids finally get to campus, they are denied the normal experience because everybody already knows who they are and what they’re capable of doing on the field or court.
My diatribe is in no way intended to shun the benefits of new media technology. I only see benefits when I log on to a Web site and can watch clips of a dozen games before going to bed. I enjoy being able to communicate with fans and student-athletes about the state of intercollegiate athletics.
The positives far outweigh the negatives, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take a hard look at reforming some of our recruiting practices to account for the changes in technology.
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