How technology has influenced the way games are viewed and played
As technology advances and people’s attention spans shorten, even diehard sports fans are finding it hard to sit through an entire game. “I struggle to watch a full game—without channel surfing or checking social media—even in my favorite sports,” says ESPN SportsCenter co-host Sage Steele. Patiently waiting through two- and three-hour-plus feats of athleticism is contrary to what we’ve come to expect in modern day society. “Now, everything is just click away… instantaneous and as fast as possible,” says Steele.
This change in mindset is not only impacting how people watch sports but how sports are played. Earlier this year, the MLB announced new rules to speed up the pace of baseball, which has been called “a 19th century game.” And in an effort to avoid marathon matches like the semi-final between John Isner and Kevin Anderson this year, Wimbledon announced that a tie-break will be played when the score reaches 12-12 in the final set beginning in 2019.
Furthermore talked with Steele, who began her career in sports broadcasting in 1995, about how the digital era is impacting her own—and everyone’s— consumption.
This change in mindset is not only impacting how people watch sports but how sports are played. Earlier this year, the MLB announced new rules to speed up the pace of baseball, which has been called “a 19th century game.” And in an effort to avoid marathon matches like the semi-final between John Isner and Kevin Anderson this year, Wimbledon announced that a tie-break will be played when the score reaches 12-12 in the final set beginning in 2019.
Furthermore talked with Steele, who began her career in sports broadcasting in 1995, about how the digital era is impacting her own—and everyone’s— consumption.
Photo: courtesy of ESPN