KUALA LUMPUR – Finding the right balance for social media usage can be difficult, but it becomes much harder when you are a professional athlete.
Independent shuttler Low Juan Shen posted on social media saying that for some players, being active on social media is their only means to find funding.
“I know that Chong Wei advised athletes to reduce their time spent on social media. But different people experience different situations.
“I am not saying what he said was wrong, but without social media, a lot of people would not know who I am,” he said.
Low added that he uses social media to find sponsors that can fund his career.
“I need this platform to find sponsors. If I had enough funding, I would definitely reduce my social media usage.”
In the TikTok video, a comment from Low’s video editor, Darren Lim, mentioned that all of Low’s videos during training and tournaments in Malaysia were edited by him.
Darren said, “Our target is simple, we hope to get Low sponsors that can support him so he can focus (on badminton).
He added that in reality, Low’s badminton career might not last long, but being active on social media can help him in the future.
“What else can he do except coaching after he is retired?” he added.
Low’s response comes after national badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei advised young shuttlers to reduce their time spent on social media.
Chong Wei said when a player sees something positive online, it can feel good. But when there is something negative, it can become a distraction and break concentration.
He emphasised that it is merely advice for the next generation of national shuttlers and not a strict warning.
“It depends on each player; I am not saying you have to listen to me. With everything happening on social media, it is more important to concentrate and focus on your career in badminton,” he told reporters during the Malaysia Open last week. – The Vibes, July 7, 2022
