Americans aged 21 and above who regularly bet on sports rose by 80% in 2021 compared to 2020, but research indicates a generational gap in sports betting participation (see Figure 19), with adults aged 44 and under being significantly more likely to bet on sports regularly than older age groups. Only 10% of adults aged 45-64 and 5% of those aged 65 and older reported regular sports betting (Silverman, 2022). This may suggest that older generations are resistant to technological change, or that they are unable to keep up with modern analytics and technology. Backing this up, a recent survey (n=86) found that the plurality of people reported viewing resistance to change as the biggest challenge facing the utilization of advanced analytics and technology in sports (My Survey, Question 11, 2023). 

The use of advanced analytics and technology in sports sometimes receives backlash from critics who claim that the utilization of the data is hurting sports more than it is helping. Critics may point out to the fact that advanced analytics can take away from the tradition of a game. Gregg Popovich, the Head Coach of the San Antonio Spurs, has publicly announced his discontent on the focus of the 3-pointer in modern NBA play. Despite being a very successful and experienced coach, Popovich nonetheless hates the 3-point analytic game, complaining that the modern era has taken away from other important statistics and taken some of the intricacies  and “beauty” out of the game (cited in New York Post Staff Report, 2018). Popovich, who is 73 years old, is the oldest current NBA head coach (per NBC Sports, 2023). His public discontent about the modern era of play raises questions surrounding traditionalism and whether or not there's a resistance to change, regarding advanced technology, in sports culture. 

According to a recent 2018 study, a reported 51% of millennials report using online tools for word and data processing, compared to only 33% of Baby Boomers. Additionally, younger workers tend to use smartphones and mobile apps for work purposes more than older workers, with 61% of millennials and 54% of Gen X saying they use their smartphones frequently for work, compared to only 38% of boomers, the majority of whom use phones solely for taking business calls. Millennials are also more likely to prioritize an institutions’ tech-savvy in deciding to accept an employment offer than boomers are. Lastly, Millennials voice notably higher rates of concern over the uncertainties surrounding automating technologies. 52% of Millennials report that they are somewhat concerned about the impact of automation on jobs, while only 37% of Baby Boomers are (see Figure 20) (CompTIA, 2018). The last piece of evidence, specifically, suggests that Millennials are more aware of the short and long-term capabilities of technology and automation than Boomers are. In regards to sports, this data could suggest that franchises with older executives or employees may be more resistant to adopting advanced analytics and technology into their decisions. It may help explain why Coach Popovich is so resistant to incorporating the 3-point shot into his game plan.

So, humanity isn’t going to run out of jobs, but high-paying and high-skill demanding jobs may take a toll as technology develops. I propose for us to start questioning more public policy regarding future education and jobs, and how those sectors might be negatively impacted by the development of technology. Autor (2023) mentions that we ought to focus our energy on improving people’s skills so that they can qualify for better jobs, and I completely agree with him. The people likely to end up in the hands of advanced AI and technology are those who have access to it. Thus, I argue that those in poverty and with low skill will be hurt disproportionately more from technological development than those with the money and skills to apply such technology to their advantage. There already exists huge economic inequality in the U.S., especially when compared to similar democratic countries. 

As a sports fan, advanced technology and analytics have been largely beneficial to my experiences but I can recognize and understand the push back against technological development. I encourage others at my institution, the University of California, Berkeley, to take a step back as well. As a first generation Latino born to two undocumented immigrants, who are both now serving sentences in prison, and as a former foster youth, I am critically aware of the worries that come out of being raised in a lower income home, and the self-reinforcing financial practices and barriers that come along with that, entrenching a culture of relative poverty. Thus, in order to prevent technological development leaving a larger income and wealth inequality gap in the U.S, I argue that we should call on our policymakers to invest more into the education sectors, so that our future generations, of all colors, backgrounds, religions, etc., can attain the education and skills necessary to keep up with the rapidly changing technological world.