Sport and polarization on X: Sentiment analysis, emotions and positioning applied to the #ObjetivoNadal interview

Abstract

This study focuses on social interactions on the platform X (formerly Twitter) following the controversial remarks made by former tennis player Rafael Nadal regarding pay equality between male and female athletes, during an interview on the TV show El Objetivo on 14 February 2024. The social conversation that emerged in response to these statements is identified and analysed across the profile of Spain's leading general and sports newspapers, the journalist from these outlets who reported on the issue, as well as the accounts of the TV show's host, the television channel and the TV show itself. A total of 5.532 units were collected, constituting the object of this study, from which 2.271 were selected. Their content was analysed using a mixed quantitative and qualitative methodology to determine the basic emotions conveyed in these messages, the positioning and the polarity of sentiment towards the athlete. Using the software, Atlas.ti v25, a significant number of replies were found to fall under the category of Anger yet showed support and positive sentiment towards Nadal despite the controversy sparked by his remarks. The study discusses the ease with which social media platforms can facilitate the viral spread and polarization of discourse contributing to the rapid confrontation between opposing groups seeking public affirmation of their ideas and beliefs.