How many less runners would there be if you did not have Instagram, Facebook, tik tik or strava to post about the race with photos and training leading up?
I think it would cut 25-50% of the participation down. I can’t imagine Instagram runners still doing it if they were unable to let people know that they did it.
Without social media, people would have much more free time and get bored and go outside and run.
Well, road races existed before social media. I don't know if anyone's looked at the numbers on participation in races pre-and-post social media and other variables. Could be interesting. I'm guessing participation would continue without too much of a decrease.