npr.org
NWSL to Implement Social Media Monitoring Tool to Protect Players from Online Abuse
The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) plans to implement a social media monitoring tool by the 2025 season to protect players from online abuse, prompted by criticism of their handling of online harassment against Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda following her BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award in November 2024.
- What prompted the NWSL to adopt this new approach to player protection, and what lessons were learned from past incidents?
- This initiative follows criticism of the NWSL's response to the online abuse targeting Barbra Banda in November 2024. Banda, a cisgender woman, faced accusations of being a "man" after winning the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award. The NWSL's delayed and indirect response prompted calls for improved player protection. The new tool represents a proactive measure to address this issue.
- What specific actions is the NWSL taking to address online abuse against its players, and what is the timeline for implementation?
- The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) will implement a social media monitoring tool by the 2025 season to protect players from online abuse, a response to the online harassment faced by Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda. Commissioner Jessica Berman acknowledged past shortcomings in supporting Banda following online attacks questioning her gender identity. The new system aims to provide quicker responses to future incidents.
- How might the NWSL's new social media monitoring tool impact the overall player experience and the league's image, and what challenges might the league face in implementing and maintaining this system?
- The NWSL's adoption of a social media monitoring tool signifies a shift towards proactive player protection in the face of online abuse. This follows the example of the Olympic committee's use of similar technology in Paris 2024. The initiative reflects a growing awareness of the need for effective strategies to combat online harassment and enhance player well-being within professional sports.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article is framed around the NWSL's response to the online abuse of Barbra Banda, emphasizing the league's efforts to implement new monitoring tools. While this is a significant aspect, focusing solely on the league's reaction might overshadow other important elements of the story, such as the broader issue of online abuse against women in sports or the systemic factors contributing to this problem. The headline (if there was one) and introduction would significantly impact how the reader perceives the overall story. For example, a headline focusing on the technology might downplay the gravity of online abuse itself.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. Terms like "online abuse" and "hate" accurately reflect the nature of the issue. However, phrases like "spit directly in women's faces" (a quote from J.K. Rowling) are inherently charged and could be replaced with more neutral phrasing to maintain journalistic objectivity. The use of "thrive" in describing Banda's success could also be considered slightly loaded, though not overly problematic in context.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Barbra Banda's experience and the NWSL's response, but it could benefit from mentioning other instances of online abuse faced by NWSL players, providing a broader context of the issue. Additionally, while J.K. Rowling's reaction is mentioned, a wider range of responses to the incident, particularly from other athletes or organizations, would enrich the narrative and offer a more comprehensive perspective. The absence of details about the specifics of the planned monitoring tool (e.g., its capabilities, limitations) also limits the reader's understanding.
Gender Bias
The article focuses on a female athlete who was targeted by online abuse based on her gender. While this is not inherently biased, it's crucial to acknowledge that women in sports frequently face such abuse. The article doesn't explicitly discuss gender bias in other contexts within the NWSL or the broader world of sports, which could further illuminate the issue.
Sustainable Development Goals
The NWSL is implementing a tool to monitor and protect players from online abuse, directly addressing gender-based online harassment and promoting a safer environment for female athletes. This initiative contributes to the overall goal of gender equality by combating online discrimination and promoting respect for women in sports.