A goal is scored, and the stadium erupts in celebration. Thousands of people leap to their feet, shouting and embracing those next to them. Yet, amidst the jubilation, some spectators remain glued to their smartphone screens, more eager to record a video of the moment than to actually experience it. After all, it has to be posted on social media.
Such scenes are hardly new in modern football. In this technological age, the virtual world seems to run parallel to the action on the pitch. Sometimes, it even feels as though certain fans are in the stands not to watch the game, but to prove to others that they are watching it.
German club Borussia Dortmund now wants to change this habit, not through strict bans, but through the allure of rewards. The concept is simple: the less you use your phone, the higher your chances of winning a prize.
The rewards are quite enticing, ranging from signed jerseys of star players to vouchers for club merchandise. In other words, simply pulling your gaze away from the phone screen and focusing on the pitch could land you a valuable gift.
This novel initiative is called 'Fan Mode', a new feature launched within Dortmund's official app. The program officially kicked off on Saturday during their home Bundesliga match against Eintracht Frankfurt, which Dortmund won 1-0.
So, how does the app track whether fans are actually reducing their phone usage?
Spectators must first activate 'Fan Mode' in the Dortmund app. The app then keeps track of how many times the phone is unlocked during the match. However, there are no penalties for using the phone during halftime.
The rule is straightforward: the fewer times you unlock your phone, the more points you accumulate. Frequently unlocking your device causes your points to drop. At the end of the match, the fan or fans with the highest points stand the best chance of winning the rewards.
