|
Developing an Ethical Responsibility Model for Sports Influencers
|
Mehdi Salimi1   , Azar Mohagheghian2 |
1- Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Science, University of Isfahan , Isfahan, Iran , m.salimi@spr.ui.ac.ir
2- Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Science, University of Isfahan , Isfahan, Iran |
|
|
Abstract: (23 Views) |
Background: The rapid expansion of social media has significantly increased the influence and visibility of sports influencers. This study was conducted with the aim of developing a model of ethical responsibility for sports influencers.
Method: This research was conducted with a qualitative approach. The statistical population included all stakeholders in the field of sports influencer (sports influencers, sports managers, and active followers) in Iran. Using purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 participants. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and Brown and Clark's six-step approach.
Results: The results revealed that the ethical responsibilities of sports influencers can be categorized into five main dimensions: health-oriented responsibility (including transparency, safety, and mental well-being), social responsibility (including ethical conduct, role-modeling, and inclusivity), professional responsibility (including professional competence and conflict-of-interest management), interactive responsibility (including accountability and fan management), and legal responsibility (including legal obligations and implicit commitments).
Conclusion: Sports influencers operate beyond traditional athletic role-modeling and have become social actors with broad societal impact. Their ethical responsibility plays a vital role in safeguarding audience well-being, shaping cultural values, and strengthening public trust. The proposed model offers a practical framework for developing ethical charters, media policies, and professional training programs. |
|
| Keywords: Ethical Responsibility, Sports Influencers, Social Media, Media Ethics, Professional Ethics |
|
|
Full-Text [PDF 669 kb]
(42 Downloads)
|
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/11/9 | Accepted: 2026/01/10 | Published: 2026/08/1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Send email to the article author |
|
|
|
| Add your comments about this article |
|
|
|
