The Psychology of the Modern Athlete: The Impact of Social Media and Perception of Reality

This episode features hosts Steve and Jon exploring how social media profoundly affects modern athletes' mental health and perception of reality. They highlight the shift from local to global comparisons, escalating pressure and transforming young athletes' motivations. The hosts stress that coaches must adapt by understanding their athletes' mental states and fostering self-compassion and respect. They advocate for a holistic coaching framework that prioritizes mental and emotional well-being alongside physical performance, arguing that this approach is vital for athletes' overall success and health.

The psychology of athletes today is profoundly influenced by social media, shifting their perception of reality and mental health while causing profound pressures and comparisons.

It's crucial for coaches to navigate the psychological landscape of their athletes, focusing on their mental states and intrinsic motivations rather than just performance metrics.

Building self-compassion and self-respect is key for athletes; they should not rely solely on external validation but cultivate a holistic sense of self.

The conversation calls for a coaching approach that addresses athletes' mental and emotional well-being in tandem with physical performance, promoting better overall health.

Read at Science of Running