The effect of fantasy sports on our culture at this point is indisputable. We see the model incorporated in nearly every sport in the world from the Fantasy Premier League to Fantasy Fishing.
Our weekends have taken us from beers around pool tables to beers gathered around our iPads. They seem to have only magnified player worship and given sports fans more of that “I’m a part of the team” attitude that many casual fans abhor (you can wear a jersey but you’re still an overweight high school benchwarmer). This all leaves me wondering…are fantasy sports good for us?
On one hand, fantasy sports have introduced a level of statistical thinking and analysis to the average fan in a way that was once reserved for “Poindexters” and the sports equivalents of train spotters.
This is bound to be a good thing for society. Academic programs centered around fantasy sports have even risen to give children a different path towards academic achievement. Many of the mathematic, logic, and probability principles learned in the game are even transferable to things like political theory, market trends, and business logistics.
Many would argue that fantasy football has become great for our culture as well. Formerly it would be common for folks to get together to watch a game or two on the weekends, but now we’re seeing some people spending entire days together for games.
One place that we see this trend explicitly leveraged in in the FX sitcom The League. It’s the story of six friends whose entire adult social relationship seems contingent upon their fantasy league. Many, including the fans that the show seems to mildly lampoon, have embraced the show.
Leagues exist within workplaces, places of worship, and families. These kinds of groups have brought people together for some lighthearted competition that creates bonds that last beyond the end of December.
These things are all positive, but there are also plenty of people that think fantasy leagues are the killing the games they love.
I know that the first time I sat down with some guys that cared more about who caught the pass than who won, I was livid. I dare say it was irreverent, but that was just the beginning of an entire nation’s fascination. Now that the industry has millions of participants, hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues and an entire television channel devoted solely to who threw, caught, or stopped a touchdown, it’s clear that the game is here to stay.
Many would say that fantasy has destroyed the appreciation of teamwork, competition, and reverence for a game’s outcome rather than its individual players.
However, I don’t believe fantasy sports have ruined any appreciation of the game- in fact, it has taken it to the next level.
But, I’m not the only sports fan out there. What do you think?
Do you want to watch games over a round of pool through the heavy smoke of a local bar or from behind the glow of your laptop?
Megan Brown, who blogs on behalf of Sears and other prestigious brands, rocked her fantasy season last year and enjoys spending her time keeping up with the latest news in sports, digital or otherwise.
Megan Brown is both a sports and social media addict. Currently, she is a social media networker at Slingshot SEO. When not tweeting with athletes or yelling at referees, Megan enjoys cycling, going to techno concerts, and shoe shopping.
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