The Indiana Fever made a triumphant return to the court as the WNBA season resumed, securing a 98-89 victory against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday. It was their first game back after the WNBA’s mid-season break, and the team appeared refreshed and focused, having spent the summer not only honing their skills but also finding ways to clear their minds, like feeding baby goats at the Indiana State Fair.
For many players, this break was a chance to reconnect with themselves and cut out the noise, both literally and figuratively.
One player who has taken this approach to heart is Fever power forward Aliyah Boston. Back in May, Boston made the decision to remove social media apps from her phone, a move that has had a profound impact on her mental well-being. In a recent interview with Uproxx, the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year opened up about the reasons behind her social media hiatus and the benefits she’s experienced since.
While Boston enjoys scrolling through TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) as much as anyone, she found that the constant stream of negativity directed at her and her team was starting to take a toll. Even though Boston doesn’t typically internalize criticism, the relentless exposure to negative comments began to chip away at her confidence.
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“I don’t internalize a lot of stuff, but when you continue to see stuff over and over again, it makes it hard not to second-guess yourself,” Boston explained. “I felt like I needed to take that step back so I could make sure that I know what I’m doing, that I’m confident in myself and my game. It really helped because I didn’t have to worry about what other people were saying about me. I knew that what I was doing was enough.”
Boston’s decision to step away from social media echoes a growing trend among athletes who are increasingly aware of the mental health challenges posed by constant online scrutiny. Fellow WNBA forward Angel Reese also addressed this issue in a recent PSA for the Chicago Sky, where she highlighted a shocking statistic: “87 percent of female athletes experience online harm.” The PSA revealed that the team will be using AI technology to block out online hate and negativity, further underscoring the importance of protecting athletes from the darker side of social media.
In her interview with Uproxx, Boston also reflected on the lessons she’s learned during the first part of the current WNBA season. Beyond the physical demands of the game, she’s come to realize her own resilience and ability to overcome obstacles.
“I had to battle some stuff on and off the court,” Boston said. “It’s just understanding you get hit, but you get back up. Nothing can limit you.”
As the Fever prepare to continue their season with a game against the Seattle Storm on Sunday, Boston’s newfound clarity and confidence will undoubtedly play a crucial role in her performance. Her journey serves as a reminder that sometimes stepping back from the noise allows us to hear our own inner voice more clearly—a lesson that will serve her well as she continues to rise in the ranks of the WNBA.
