Online Abuse, Sport and Women Athletes: A Narrative Review

Abstract

This narrative review examines the antecedents of online abuse and specifically the factors that make sport an especially susceptible context and women athletes particularly at risk. The commercialisation of sport has intensified social media scrutiny, leading to increased online abuse of athletes, impacting their mental health and well-being. This narrative review identifies the need for sport policy makers to understand online abuse antecedents and to develop safeguarding measures. Narrative reviews are designed to provide meaningful synthesis of broad research that requires nuanced interpretation and are not intended to provide an exhaustive review of the literature. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory is used as a conceptual architecture for this narrative review to map the multi-level influences on online harm in sport and thus, guide the development of more comprehensive interventions. The review aims to identify multi-level risk factors for online abuse targeting women athletes and to synthesise theoretical insights using an ecological systems lens. It examines the broader social context, legal environment, and social media features, as well as specific factors like gambling associations, sport factors, and athlete characteristics. It also underscores the need for increased research, education, and policy to protect athletes. This review informs a series of recommendations to guide future policy and practice.