The NCAA has released its first online harassment study, revealing widespread social media abuse targeting student-athletes, coaches, and officials during championship events. The pilot study, conducted in collaboration with Signify, used an AI-based algorithm to flag over 72,000 messages, resulting in more than 5,000 abusive posts reported. The NCAA described the findings as 'jarring.' Abusive posts spiked during March Madness, with women's basketball players receiving about triple the threats compared to men's players. Nearly one in five flagged posts involved sexual harassment. The study has led to the unmasking of several perpetrators and law enforcement referrals. The NCAA is calling on fans and social media platforms to curb abuse in sports.
