However I wonder why this year I have especially noticed I have a lot more ‘enemies.’ I have emphatically cheered against a larger number of teams under the cloak of 'being a rival.’ Upon further examination I realize the root of this loathing comes from Facebook. This year my Facebook newsfeed exploded with pictures and obnoxious posts about the, for example, invincible Hoosiers, mighty Irish or indomitable Illini. This led me to cheer harder against these and other teams, not because of the programs, but because of the insufferable fans. Just a few of my ‘friends’ post nonsense and I now have unbridled animosity toward an entire institution of higher learning. In an informal poll of peers, I find the same attitude holds true for many of them as well. Many games where I would have minimal rooting interest, I now cheer more than ever simply in hopes the boastful posts come to an end.
This is not to say I don’t use Facebook as a platform to post support of my favorite teams. Nor do I think Facebook is an inappropriate place to share such ideas. However, perhaps posting about college teams just requires a small dose of discretion. If the posts are infrequent, clever or appropriately timed, go for it. If it’s just one more picture of the same old ‘here’s why my team is the best,’ maybe it's best to reconsider. Pic. Ref. heavy.com
