Survey: Social Networking Impacts Sports Participation

Social networking is impacting sports participation patterns in the United States - particularly for people between the ages of 12 and 30, commonly referred to as "Generation Y." According to the 2011 Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association's "Sports & Fitness Participation Topline Report," the approach of Generation Y toward athletic activity and exercise is changing because of the influences (though perhaps subtle) of Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and texting. That's why marketing to this group of users is more important than ever.

Individuals born between 1980 and 1999 outnumber both Baby Boomers (born between 1945 and 1964) and Generation X (born between 1965 and 1979) in every area of sports participation: individual sports, racquet sports, team sports, outdoor sports, winter sports, water sports and fitness sports. The most popular Generation Y category is fitness sports; 51.3 million are engaged in some type of fitness-oriented pursuit, and as a result of their strong social attitudes, they gravitate toward group exercise. Since 2009, group cycling, cardio tennis and high-impact aerobics have all experienced double-digit gains in overall participation, according to the survey.

Log in to view the full article
Page 1 of 466
Next Page
AB Show 2025 in San Diego
AB Show is a solution-focused event for athletics, fitness, recreation and military professionals.
Nov. 5-8, 2025
Learn More
AB Show 2025
Buyer's Guide
Information on more than 3,000 companies, sorted by category. Listings are updated daily.
Learn More
Buyer's Guide