P1racenews AI automatic summary:
We dissect a new report into toxicity surrounding Formula 1 on social media, why it’s happening and what’s being done to stop it
Formula 1’s increased focus on its social media presence has played a significant role in the series’ success under Liberty Media, potentially more so than the Netflix effect. However, this rise in popularity across platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok has also exposed F1 to negative consequences, such as toxic fan behavior characterized by negativity, harassment, and discrimination.
The increase in fan tribalism, especially during intense title battles or controversial moments on the track, has further contributed to pushing fans away from certain social media platforms. Some drivers, including Max Verstappen, have expressed concerns about the toxic atmosphere on social media, citing personal attacks and threats directed at various individuals within the F1 community.
A recent report by social intelligence company Buzz Radar analyzed 100 million F1 social media posts from 247,000 fan accounts over a decade, shedding light on the scale of toxicity among fans. The report identified seven traits of toxic posts, including discrimination, targeted harassment, negativity, tribal hostility, aggression, gatekeeping, and malicious narratives.
From 2016 to 2019, there was a shift towards more positive conversations among fans, but the growth of toxicity has become more prominent in recent years, particularly during the intense competition between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in 2021. As F1 continues to grapple with these challenges, the impact of toxic behavior on the sport and its community remains a growing concern.
