Many social and psychological benefits are found in sports. Young girls, in particular, often have lower self-esteem than boys. They may also believe that their body is only useful if it attracts boys. However, statistics compiled by the Women’s Sports Foundation show that sports participation benefits young female athletes significantly. Girls who participate in school athletics are 92 percent less likely to use drugs, 80 percent less likely to get pregnant, and three times more inclined to graduate from college.
While the aesthetic element of sport may survive in some disciplines, the emphasis on quantitative achievement is becoming increasingly dominant. The transition between Renaissance and modern sports can be illustrated by observing the semantic changes. Formerly, the word measure meant “a sense of balance and proportion” before changing to refer to numerical measurements. A modern interpretation of sport includes all forms of physical exercise, including those played purely for fun. In addition, sports now require athletes to follow rules in order to be successful.
E-Sports, on the other hand, have claimed to be sports, due to the intense physical activity required to participate. Players need fast reflexes and dexterity in operating the controller. These games are intensely competitive, and the winners are often declared by a panel. E-Sports players claim they are just as athletic as race car drivers. However, they are still far from mainstream sports. They are also a popular source of entertainment, and broadcasting of events in different countries reaches an even larger audience.