My current sport media “diet” is heavily digital and fast-paced. I consume most of my sports content through online news sources and Instagram Reels. Social media makes it easy to quickly catch up on highlights, big plays, and trending sports moments without sitting through an entire game. When I have extra time, I enjoy watching football, soccer, basketball, or track events through television networks like ESPN, listening to sports podcasts, or searching for highlight clips on YouTube. However, most of my daily consumption is short-form and convenient, fitting into my busy schedule as a student and active individual.

Five years ago, my sport media consumption looked very different. Instead of watching sports through a screen, I experienced it live and in person. I would watch my siblings compete. My sister in gymnastics and my brother in track meets and football games. After finishing my own track events, I would stay to watch theirs. Sports felt more personal and connected because I was physically present. I also have strong memories of sitting down with my father to watch football games during high school. Those moments were filled with energy; my dad yelling at the television, my mom preparing Super Bowl snacks, and the lively chaos of family game days. Sports media at that time was less about quick highlights and more about shared experiences.

Looking ahead five years, I predict my sport media consumption will continue to be primarily digital. Since I currently do not have access to a television where I live while attending school, and because I maintain a very active lifestyle, I will likely continue relying on Instagram, YouTube highlights, podcasts, and even quick Google searches to stay informed. Convenience and mobility will likely continue to shape how I follow sports.

If I could change one aspect of the sport communication landscape, I would improve access to full-game experiences and complete play coverage. While highlights are convenient, they do not capture the full atmosphere of live sports, the crowd reactions, the tension, and the unpredictability. Being present at a game offers a depth of entertainment and connection that short clips cannot fully replicate.