Social media is a great way to connect around the world. It is a direct way to spread our words and opinions. While it is viewed as a great thing, a simple bad decision with hurtful words can be sent to millions of people.

This is what happened with the U.S. women’s soccer goalie, Hope Solo. After the loss against Sweden in the 2016 Olympics, Solo decided to take her anger from the game and portray her feelings on Twitter. Calling Sweden “cowards” has led to a six month suspension for the U.S. women’s goalie. This causes Solo to be ineligible for the selection of the U.S. Women’s National Team until February 2017.

The use of Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook needs to be taken with caution. Many students throughout Pleasant Valley are successful in academics, arts, and athletics. However, the inappropriate use of social media can lead to colleges, teams, and scholarships to deny acceptance to these successful students. Keeping hurtful comments or opinions away from the internet can prevent future consequences and allow students to succeed further.

Solo’s actions leaves an image on not only herself, but the U.S. women’s team as well. The game of soccer and various other athletics, requires sportsmanship; yet many view sportsmanship as only needed during the game. Ethics, respect, and common courtesy outside of the game is what makes a player great. Senior cheerleader, Claire Park says, “I definitely notice the Pleasant Valley football players helping the opposing team up when they fall and get hurt. It’s all about showing respect and being fair and square.”

In the past years the battle between the Bettendorf Bulldogs and the Pleasant Valley Spartans has always been a brutal one. The rivalry has caused students to tweet “savage” or disrespectful comments against the opposing school. Senior football player, CJ Carter says, “I love playing Bettendorf! When it comes to unsportsmanlike conduct, you can kick someone’s butt every play but still respect them enough to help them up after the play is over with.”
Anger and frustration are common feelings after losing a match. Athletes of the United States, such as Solo, are examples for younger athletes around the world. Her actions and words are not only seen by her teammates, but by millions of fans and opponents. This will cause younger athletes to perform and make decisions similar to Solo. Olympic athletes should show an appropriate example of fairness, equality and good sportsmanship to keep the sports these athletes love with a respected image.