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February 16, 2024
An abuse-free social media platform, “created by footballers for fans,” continues to attract popular content creators in the UK. Created with a desire to take proactive action against online abuse against football players, the “Striver” app is described as a community of footballers and changemakers aiming to create a safe and respectful environment for fans to connect and interact with their favorite football stars and content creators.
Striver publicly launched at the November 2023 Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal. The collaboration between CEO Tim Chase and football legends Gilberto Silva and Roberto Carlos wants to enhance how football players and their fanbases communicate online. The idea is that everyone will feel comfortable sharing their ideas and feelings in a community of people who love the sport.
In the last few weeks, athlete and football content creator Wrennico Mendez, world record freestyler Ben Nutall and content creator Papa Pincus have partnered with the platform. Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire and football manager and former England and Premier League player Sol Campbell are also among Striver’s ambassadors.
For sports fanatics in particular, their love for the game is equally matched by the dedication they have for their favorite players. For many, social media has served as the most direct form of communication for everyone including public figures. Users have a space where they can talk and share their thoughts and feelings in a widely public forum. However, this openness can also be equally harmful due to the restraint-free nature of free speech.
“In recent years, the rise of social media has given fans unprecedented access to their favourite players but has also created a breeding ground for hate, harassment and abuse. This alarming trend of online abuse faced by footballers has far-reaching consequences. It’s time to stop that,” states Striver’s site.
While most platforms have implemented procedures to regulate online behavior, the enforcement has not prevented many from finding ways to bypass them. The lack of implementing these policies can heighten abuse to take place. As Chase recently told Sky Sports, “the emergence of TikTok shows that people do want to engage and do the things you can see the stars and influencers doing. But with these platforms, they’re so concerned with getting content on the platform, then worrying about the abusive content afterwards.”
Striver’s format is similar to TikTok in that users can take part in challenges and forums by the athletes. However, the company explains its difference is based on its proactivity. Using advanced AI technology, content is moderated before it goes live on the app rather than after it has already been shared. This approach will ideally create a secure space for users to engage, participate in conversations and enjoy football challenges without the fear of encountering abusive content. With safety in mind, it wants to challenge what kind of online behavior is permitted. The user is given more control to dictate what kind of speech can be allowed.
Future expected modifications to the app are facial recognition and age-appropriate moderation. Nevertheless, the community is at the forefront. According to Silva, “Striver is here to give the support to everyone, but make them feel part of this movement as well. We want the world to be a better place for all of us. It’s so special to be able to give something back to football.”
Source: Sky Sports, Made in Shoreditch Magazine
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