Every day brings its share of departures. After tuesday’s CFDT, to name just one, it is the turn of the professional football team Red Star (Ligue 2) to announce this Wednesday the deletion of its account on the social network X, formerly Twitter.
This decision is part of a wave of growing disaffection towards this social network - purchased by the American billionaire Elon musk in October 2022 – which has led to the abandonment in France of the regional newspapers Ouest-France and Sud Ouest or of organizations such as Greenpeace France.
According to the management of the saint-Ouen club (Seine-Saint-Denis), the platform “is now increasingly used to amplify hateful and polarizing speeches, thus playing a key role in the manipulation of public opinion. Red Star FC‘s commitment extends far beyond the borders of X and the club will continue to operate in spaces that respect our values. The club’s X account will no longer be used, except to prevent the risk of identity theft. »
A first in France
This is the first French professional team to decide to abandon the platform. in Germany, Sankt Pauli, a club known for its anti-fascist struggles, had already made this decision, as had Werder Bremen. It was November 14, the day after the new US President Donald Trump appointed Elon Musk as head of the ministry responsible for budget cuts.
If Red Star invites its fans to follow the club’s news through its newsletter – “where information circulates without passing through private algorithms” – Sankt Pauli has opened an account on the option Bluesky platform.
What are the potential implications of sports organizations leaving customary social media platforms for their fan engagement?
Interview: The Impact of Social Media Departures in Professional Sports
Editor: Today, we are joined by dr. Marie Dupont, a social media expert and researcher, to discuss the recent departure of the Red Star FC from the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and its implications for the world of sports and digital dialog. Dr. Dupont, thank you for being here.
Dr. Dupont: Thank you for having me.It’s a pleasure to discuss this crucial topic.
Editor: red Star FC is the first professional football team in France to delete its account on X. What do you think prompted this decision?
dr. Dupont: This move reflects a growing disaffection towards the platform, especially since its acquisition by Elon musk in October 2022. Many organizations, including regional newspapers like Ouest-France and Sud Ouest and NGOs like Greenpeace France, have also distanced themselves due to the perception that X is amplifying hateful and polarizing speech. Red Star FC’s management expressed concerns regarding the platform’s role in manipulating public opinion, signaling a major shift in how sports organizations view their online presence.
Editor: It’s interesting to note that Red star FC stated it will continue its communications through other channels. Why is this meaningful?
Dr. Dupont: This highlights a broader trend of organizations seeking alternative spaces that align with their values. By encouraging fans to subscribe to their newsletter — where information is shared directly without the influence of algorithms — Red Star FC is prioritizing transparency and community engagement over fleeting social media interactions. This could set a precedent for other teams and organizations looking to foster more authentic connections with their audiences.
Editor: You mentioned that Sankt Pauli and Werder Bremen have also taken similar steps in Germany. What does this trend suggest about social media’s role in sports?
Dr. Dupont: It suggests that the landscape is evolving. Teams that traditionally relied on platforms like X for fan engagement are reevaluating their strategies in the face of ethical concerns. Clubs like Sankt Pauli, known for their anti-fascist stance, show that sports organizations are not just about competitions; thay are also community representatives. The move away from X indicates that many are prioritizing values over mere visibility.
Editor: How should sports organizations assess their social media strategies moving forward?
Dr. Dupont: Organizations need to consider the long-term implications of their social media presence. Regular assessments of the platforms they use — analyzing their values, user interactions, and the overall societal impact — is essential. They might explore using alternative platforms like Bluesky or strengthening their own communication channels, like newsletters and websites, to ensure they are fostering positive engagement with their fans while staying true to their values.
Editor: Given these developments,what practical advice can you offer to sports clubs navigating this changing digital landscape?
Dr. Dupont: First, I recommend conducting a thorough review of how your current social media channels resonate with your audience. Second, prioritize direct communication channels that allow for more meaningful interaction. Lastly, stay informed about the evolving nature of social platforms and be ready to pivot your strategy in a way that protects your brand’s integrity and engages your community.
editor: Thank you, Dr. Dupont, for your insights on this critical topic. As we see more organizations like Red Star FC take a stand against harmful rhetoric on social media, it’s clear that the dynamics of fan engagement are changing.
Dr. Dupont: Thank you for having me. It will be interesting to see how this trend develops in the coming months.