ABSTRACT
Many of the positive uses of technology within sport have been detailed in the earlier chapters of this text. In this chapter, some challenging negative elements of the cyber world for athletes will be outlined and discussed. Specifically, issues such as cyberbullying, cyberharassment and cyberstalking will be explained. Some reasons high-profile athletes are often the targets of this type of negative online behaviour are suggested, based upon the current and growing empirical evidence presented by researchers who have examined these important topics. Related matters such as online disinhibition and de-individualisation will also be discussed. Strategies that, at present, are applied by some athletes, policymakers and sport organisations to help them manage and respond appropriately to these challenging negative online incidences that often occur using social media channels are also highlighted. Another negative feature of athletes engaging with the cyber world is online problematic gambling. This issue is also discussed in this chapter. In the final section of the chapter, some future research suggestions that could provide a greater understanding of and effective ways to help prevent and manage these problematic online issues within the sport setting will be made.
