#RookieParty: The Intersections of Social Media, Hazing, and Canadian Varsity Sport

Authors

jay johnson Dr., University of ManitobaFollow
Geneva Gudmunson, University of ManitobaFollow
Jessica W. Chin, San Jose State UniversityFollow
Margery Holman, University of WindsorFollow

Abstract

Prior to the start of the pandemic in 2020, almost two-thirds of all varsity athletes across gender and sport in Canada had engaged in a sport hazing ritual (Johnson et al., 2018). While hazing in sport has been researched from a variety of perspectives, few studies have examined hazing in the context of varsity athletes' social media use. This is a potential space where Johnson (2017) suggested that technological tools such as cellphones, that provide instant access to social media, have enabled users to more easily capture and post online, potentially exacerbating the trauma inflicted on rookies during team hazing events. This qualitative study engaged semi-structured interviews to examine the intersections of hazing and social media Canadian varsity athletes. The results describe the use of social media by athletes within the context of their sport and their particular team and its relationship to their continued team hazing practices. It also offers a gender-based comparison of the ways in which athletes interpreted both formal and informal messaging they received from their athletic departments and teams about hazing and/or social media. The key determinants for the athletes' use of social media in sport were using their social media platform(s) as a team-focused promotion tool, a communication tool, and a motivator for rivalry. Differences emerged as men athletes used social media for recruitment, mentorship and as a sport promotional tool. With respect to using social media for hazing communications, the women athletes were primarily concerned with protecting their teammates’ well-being and ensuring the goal of hazing on their team was centered on creating stronger bonds, while men engaged in clandestine and self-protecting social media messaging.

Recommended Citation

johnson, jay Dr.; Gudmunson, Geneva; Chin, Jessica W.; and Holman, Margery (2025) "#RookieParty: The Intersections of Social Media, Hazing, and Canadian Varsity Sport," Journal of Athlete Development and Experience: Vol. 7: Iss. 1, Article 1.
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/jade/vol7/iss1/1