Review

Digital Fandom and Platform Capitalism: The Politics of the Interaction Economy in the Olympic Games

Volume: 8 Number: 2 June 30, 2026
TR EN

Digital Fandom and Platform Capitalism: The Politics of the Interaction Economy in the Olympic Games

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the transformations occurring at the intersection of digital fandom, platform capitalism, and the engagement economy within the context of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. As global media ecosystems undergo digitalization, the Olympics have evolved from mere showcases of athletic performance into multidimensional specta-tor experiences shaped by social media platforms. Employing a conceptual review meth-odology, the study examines the influence of social media technologies on the Olympic experience through key sub-themes such as fan engagement, athlete branding, online in-teraction, data monetization, and algorithmic visibility. Within the scope of this conceptu-al review, Paris 2024 is discussed as an important case illustrating how digital engage-ment, athlete branding, and fan experience have evolved toward a multiscreen, real-time, and participatory model.At the same time, issues such as cyberbullying, misinformation, and platform monopolization were identified as critical risks. The research argues that the digital transformation of the sports ecosystem reshapes not only marketing and commu-nication dynamics but also governance, ethics, and socio-cultural aspects of global sports. The study concludes that the interplay between social media and mega sporting events holds strategic significance for both theoretical discourse and practical implementation in sport management.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Sports Activity Management, Tourism (Other)

Journal Section

Review

Publication Date

June 30, 2026

Submission Date

February 23, 2026

Acceptance Date

June 18, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 8 Number: 2

APA
Gündüz Abdioğlu, G., & Horozoğlu, M. A. (2026). Digital Fandom and Platform Capitalism: The Politics of the Interaction Economy in the Olympic Games. Journal of Sport for All and Recreation, 8(2), 309-318. https://doi.org/10.56639/jsar.1895980
AMA
1.Gündüz Abdioğlu G, Horozoğlu MA. Digital Fandom and Platform Capitalism: The Politics of the Interaction Economy in the Olympic Games. JSAR. 2026;8(2):309-318. doi:10.56639/jsar.1895980
Chicago
Gündüz Abdioğlu, Gizem, and Mehmet Ali Horozoğlu. 2026. “Digital Fandom and Platform Capitalism: The Politics of the Interaction Economy in the Olympic Games”. Journal of Sport for All and Recreation 8 (2): 309-18. https://doi.org/10.56639/jsar.1895980.
EndNote
Gündüz Abdioğlu G, Horozoğlu MA (June 1, 2026) Digital Fandom and Platform Capitalism: The Politics of the Interaction Economy in the Olympic Games. Journal of Sport for All and Recreation 8 2 309–318.
IEEE
[1]G. Gündüz Abdioğlu and M. A. Horozoğlu, “Digital Fandom and Platform Capitalism: The Politics of the Interaction Economy in the Olympic Games”, JSAR, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 309–318, June 2026, doi: 10.56639/jsar.1895980.
ISNAD
Gündüz Abdioğlu, Gizem - Horozoğlu, Mehmet Ali. “Digital Fandom and Platform Capitalism: The Politics of the Interaction Economy in the Olympic Games”. Journal of Sport for All and Recreation 8/2 (June 1, 2026): 309-318. https://doi.org/10.56639/jsar.1895980.
JAMA
1.Gündüz Abdioğlu G, Horozoğlu MA. Digital Fandom and Platform Capitalism: The Politics of the Interaction Economy in the Olympic Games. JSAR. 2026;8:309–318.
MLA
Gündüz Abdioğlu, Gizem, and Mehmet Ali Horozoğlu. “Digital Fandom and Platform Capitalism: The Politics of the Interaction Economy in the Olympic Games”. Journal of Sport for All and Recreation, vol. 8, no. 2, June 2026, pp. 309-18, doi:10.56639/jsar.1895980.
Vancouver
1.Gizem Gündüz Abdioğlu, Mehmet Ali Horozoğlu. Digital Fandom and Platform Capitalism: The Politics of the Interaction Economy in the Olympic Games. JSAR. 2026 Jun. 1;8(2):309-18. doi:10.56639/jsar.1895980

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