Runners’ engagement and social support practices: exploring the uses and role of online activities

Authors: Littlejohns, R., Gouthro, M.B. and Dickinson, J.

Journal: Sport in Society

Volume: 22

Issue: 12

Pages: 2243-2260

ISSN: 1743-0437

DOI: 10.1080/17430437.2019.1571486

Abstract:

Tracking technologies that monitor exercise and health have grown in popularity, while online communities have emerged to encourage healthier lifestyles. Runners display high engagement levels with these technologies, however, studies are inconclusive about the effectiveness of these tools, and half of tracking device owners stop use within 3 months. This exploratory study analyses the engagement practices of UK-based long distance runners with tracking technologies and online communities in order to explore how these provide social support for runners. Data were derived from nine interviews. Findings identify distinct use practices associated with social networking sites, running club online communities and tracking applications. Social support is not as prominent as social comparison, identity formation, motivation and information gathering for runners. The nature of the community, co-present connections between individuals and running experience have implications for engagement and support practices, while emotional attachment to data represents an opportunity for development.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/31650/

Source: Scopus

Runners' engagement and social support practices: exploring the uses and role of online activities

Authors: Littlejohns, R., Gouthro, M.B. and Dickinson, J.

Journal: SPORT IN SOCIETY

Volume: 22

Issue: 12

Pages: 2243-2260

eISSN: 1743-0445

ISSN: 1743-0437

DOI: 10.1080/17430437.2019.1571486

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/31650/

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

Runners’ Engagement and Social Support Practices: Exploring the Uses and Role of Online Activities

Authors: Littlejohns, R., Gouthro, M.B. and Dickinson, J.

Journal: Sport in society

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

ISSN: 1461-0981

DOI: 10.1080/17430437.2019.1571486

Abstract:

Tracking technologies that monitor exercise and health have grown in popularity, while online communities have emerged to encourage healthier lifestyles. Runners display high engagement levels with these technologies, however, studies are inconclusive about the effectiveness of these tools, and half of tracking device owners stop use within three months. This exploratory study analyses the engagement practices of UK based long distance runners with tracking technologies and online communities in order to explore how these provide social support for runners. Data were derived from nine interviews. Findings identify distinct use practices associated with social networking sites, running club online communities and tracking applications. Social support is not as prominent as social comparison, identity formation, motivation and information gathering for runners. The nature of the community, co-present connections between individuals and running experience have implications for engagement and support practices, while emotional attachment to data represents an opportunity for development.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/31650/

Source: Manual

Runners’ Engagement and Social Support Practices: Exploring the Uses and Role of Online Activities

Authors: Littlejohns, R., Gouthro, M.-B. and Dickinson, J.E.

Journal: Sport in Society

Volume: 22

Issue: 12

Pages: 2243-2260

ISSN: 1743-0437

Abstract:

Tracking technologies that monitor exercise and health have grown in popularity, while online communities have emerged to encourage healthier lifestyles. Runners display high engagement levels with these technologies, however, studies are inconclusive about the effectiveness of these tools, and half of tracking device owners stop use within three months. This exploratory study analyses the engagement practices of UK based long distance runners with tracking technologies and online communities in order to explore how these provide social support for runners. Data were derived from nine interviews. Findings identify distinct use practices associated with social networking sites, running club online communities and tracking applications. Social support is not as prominent as social comparison, identity formation, motivation and information gathering for runners. The nature of the community, co-present connections between individuals and running experience have implications for engagement and support practices, while emotional attachment to data represents an opportunity for development.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/31650/

Source: BURO EPrints