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DOI

https://doi.org/10.51221/sc.jiia.2026.19.1.16

Abstract

With the introduction of the NCAA’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policy in July 2021, student-athletes have become increasingly reliant on social media for personal branding and monetization. However, prior research suggests that excessive social media use can negatively impact student-athletes’ well-being, highlighting the need for targeted digital literacy education. Addressing these concerns, this study designed and evaluated an online intervention, “Student-Athlete Training for Online Resilience Management” (STORM), aimed at improving student-athletes’ perceived knowledge and confidence in navigating social media-related risks. Using two waves of survey data (N = 117), the study assessed changes in perceived knowledge of social media risks, coping strategies, and time management, as well as confidence in the ability to stay safe and manage time when using social media. The intervention produced significant gains across all domains. Correlational analyses revealed a positive association between baseline digital risk exposure and program outcomes, and a negative association between baseline psychosocial well-being and program outcomes, suggesting that at-risk participants likely benefitted the most from the program. This study contributes theoretically by illustrating how digital risk factors, psychosocial health, and institutional support shape student-athletes’ engagement with social media, while providing a ready-to-implement, evidence-based intervention to support student-athletes’ digital literacy education.

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