Declan Devine issues social media reminder to players amid toxic culture
Declan Devine has urged caution to players attempting to navigate their way through social media amid a growing culture of online toxic abuse.
The Glentoran boss admits he uses various platforms for 'networking and family', but insists it isn't something he trawls for praise or criticism.
He says online hate and abuse is a constant threat to anyone using social media, and says some young players need greater protection.
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The Oval manager said: “We speak all the time about these things and I am actually on social media. I use it for networking and staying in touch with family and friends, it’s easier to stay in contact with those outside the country or former team-mates.
“I use it in a positive manner, whether we win, lose or draw on a Saturday I’m genuinely not looking for compliments or kicks in the teeth. I don’t need someone to say ‘well done today’ if we won all three points and I don’t need anyone to kick me in the teeth if we don’t. I stay away from that aspect of it."
Devine says his advice to players using social media is to be prepared for compliments and criticism in equal measure, but to approach their online accounts with caution.
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“That’s my advice to players, if you need your ego massaged or you want a pat on the back for a certain post then you better be prepared for the other side of it," he added.
“Draw under a line under what you want out of it but it’s such easy access to assassinate, especially some young players.
“I think a lot of experienced players can take it with a pinch of salt but it’s so easy under a fake account to make personal remarks.
“It could knock the stuffing out of an 18 or 19-year-old player. So I use it in a positive way with a bit of maturity.”
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