Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword?

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Published on Monday, 02 December 2013 19:36

Written by Dr. Stacey Naito, ACOFP & IFBB Pro

If you are serious about competing and want to build a career in the fitness industry then you have probably been exploring the various social media platforms and trying to build your name and brand.  Of course, you want to push for the most followers you can get, as well as build a fan base which boosts your credibility in the eyes of supplement companies.  As your numbers grow, your name will become more well-known and you can claim – without bluffing – that you have inspired thousands of people.

However, with more followers come more problems, most commonly the jerks and the haters.  I heard an interesting comment from one of my friends today, which was: "The more successful you are, the more haters you have."  I have to admit that whenever I have to deal with a hater, I am rattled by such energy and will never understand how people can go out of their way to spread negativity. I guess you can’t please everyone, and of course there are going to be those who are jealous of your physique and your success.  This is when the blocking feature on numerous social platforms can and should be employed.  Don’t bother trying to appease such spiritual leeches.  They are not worth the trouble.  

Some fans and followers (thank goodness, it is the exception and not the rule) develop a distorted perspective in which they believe that they are connected or bonded to the fitness personalities they are interested in.  This quickly turns into an obsession, with the fan holding onto a sense of entitlement which can be dangerous.  If such a fan feels disregarded, a cascade of psychotic behavior can ensue.

Another dangerous and disturbing situation found in social media circles is the impostor syndrome.  There are individuals out there who may claim to be you, and will use your likeness, your name and your titles to build fake profiles.  I am sure you have worked your ass off to get to where you are now, so it is time to do due diligence and make sure that no one is taking your good name and wearing it.  The small bit of flattery which may be at play is completely eclipsed by the creepiness and the invasion of pretending to be someone else.

Thankfully, the vast majority of people are level-headed and rational.  However, as your numbers grow, you must be aware of the issues which may arise and take measures to protect your name and reputation in the industry.