Less than one week into the 2012 London Olympic Games, social media has redefined the Olympic experience. Unprecedented numbers of Olympic athletes, viewers, media, and brands are engaging with each other across social media platforms, sharing real-time updates and insider perspectives on the Games. But if social media captures memorable moments forever, social blunders have a greater effect than ever before. Several Olympic athletes have been disciplined or removed from the Games due to social media posts, and NBC continues to receive intense criticism for its handling of live streaming events.

Below are a few articles describing some of the highs and lows of social media use at the 2012 Olympics games – and it’s not over yet.
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• Olympics Storified, Tweeted, Facebooked
• London 2012: Why Olympic sponsors Coca Cola, British Airways, Adidas get online golds
• #NBCfails to Command Digital Live Streams
• Mobile tweets are breaking Olympics’ TV data – how did carriers prepare?
• US Goalie Solo Doesn’t Back Down from Anti-Chastain Tweets
• Saddened by Hope Solo’s Tweets
• Swiss Olympic Team Expels Player for Racist Tweet
• Greek Gets Boot for Racist Remarks[/bullets]

How are you using social media during these Olympic Games?  Is social media beneficial or detrimental to the Olympics?

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Photo Credit: NY Daily News (Michael Phelps)