Insomnia

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It is said that humans are social creatures. No man is an island.

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I don't see any real benefits. Whereas there will be many people who will suffer from sleep deprivation.

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a) A sense of belonging in a group bigger than oneself, which provides social bonding with others. Just like guys can always talk about NS and bond, fans of the same sports teams (or sports) can instantly bond, especially since fans are generally passionate about talking about something they love (versus NS, which not as many people are passionate about).

b) It helps your self-esteem too. If your team does well, you feel happier, and this is a joy that can be openly shared without prejudice with many other like-minded people.

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Bonding amongst fellow participants. It serves as a common platform to identify with, which may be a precursor to the formation of new relationships or the strengthening of new ones.

Adrenaline rushes during the course of a match, and sense of euphoria when their team wins, contributes to the sense of emotional well being.

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Nothing but escape and revelry. It is also the finest football spectacle and it does only occur once in four years. Its an amazing drama leading up to the new champions. Superstars are made and some have their careers killed.

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When one thinks that a simple game of football can unite people of different cultures, ethnicities etc, then maybe we'll realise that we aren't that different after all.

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Comfort in numbers. It creates a false social network that provides a medium for interaction.

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Like smokers, who have a common activity in smoke-breaks, being part of the World Cup following helps give people a small-talk topic and bond. This is really the main benefit.

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Shared experiences.

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There are some who liken sports to war - there's the physical exertion, victory or defeat, and glory for the victor. Competition is a celebration of talent and grit. I guess it offers some form of emotional release.

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The ability as a conversation starter. Singaporeans don’t really talk to strangers unless it is something that they can find a common passion, like during election rallies (btw your election coverage was awesome as many of your readers had said, I really appreciate your writings). Male bonding as well, the common identity that people share when I see the other person wearing the same jersey or having the same football scarf in their cars, the sense of belonging. And also, sports as a getaway from the drudgery of life, always good to have a big match to look forward to at the start of a dreary week, with the media and advertisers building up the hype.

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The idea of male bonding within a group, the idea of being accepted as part of the herd. Human beings usually don't like the idea of being alone and sports is a common bonding experience for many who may not have any other common interests otherwise.

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realisation that Iranians, North Koreans are also humans

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sense of accomplishment, sense that tomorrow u can try again...

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An easy connection that facilitates communication, partially through helping people identify with each other. Especially in formal working relationships, these simple convenient conversation topics help build bonds. Sorry for insipid reply...

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For Singapore, I don't think there's much benefits apart from the increase in sales for beer etc. The biggest winner will be Singapore Pools.

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i don't understand your question except that to me the world cup is the only competition left that truly signify the patriotism of a nation in a sports event that unifies the countrymen.

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Refer to question 1. Also, it's easier to put tags on guys who support specific teams and possibly understand their underlying personality or character better.

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No one wants to be left out of a discussion that probably defines one as the stereotypical hotblooded male. A discussion that probably suggests to others you're somewhat sporty, if at all.

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something to talk about, break the ice. heck we look up to heros. distract us from our own miserable lives.

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Sports, especially football, take one’s mind away from the more serious problems of life. One can forget, escape into another reality with millions of other escapists. As an example, even many impoverished countries in Africa have their millions of fans. As more and more Africans are now playing in the major European leagues, these stars serve as role-models for their less fortunate citizens "back home". And, of course, "the powers that be" go all out to encourage this social phenomenon that soccer has become, keeping the crowd occupied and happy with tame entertainment, the bread and circus of the Roman Empire. (I can still remember the empty streets and the "Kallang Roar" when Singapore used to play in the Malaya Cup in the seventies!!!)

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Fostering cohesion, generally speaking, as a community, as a nation. Because this is a World Cup, it transcends club loyalties, which is a really great part of the competition, since the players and fans feel the need to bond together and fight tooth and nail beside each other to achieve glory. National pride is boosted too.

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As in question 2, sports was, is, has been and will be used as a universal language to start a conversation.

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U get 2 talk bout it, bet bout it, n be part of tis phenomenon where the world unite once every 4 years!!

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you feel like you fit in, it makes u feel like you're part of the 'in' crowd. makes u feel powerful. there's nothing like being part of a mob to make one feel powerful. less cynical points would probably include having more conversation topics, ermm... can't really think of any more right now

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People get together, people talk. Talk = communication. Making new friends who love the same team or national team as you. Football is a popular sport, most people talk about it so you'd never feel out of place anywhere in the world.

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Mainly to feel that you are part of something much bigger!

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A sense of group belonging, connecting with people through a shared experience. When a team you support wins, you know there are others who rejoice with you. When a team you support loses, you know there are others who feel as dejected as you do.

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I believe the benefits will be more on communication with other soccer fans, because you and the other person have something in common, you both have views to share about whether Ronaldinho is the best player in the world or not, you both are ardent fans of teams in the World Cup and you both think you are better players/managers than what we have in the World Cup.

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somethings to talk to, follow the trend

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psycho-social benefits...huh whats dat so chim one.....

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benefits? it's like following a rock band/sharing the ectasy and despondency of the team one supports...

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Development of friendships? Relaxation? I am not sure really.

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A common topic to converse in is a great benefit. Guys do not really talk too much to one another, except in the area of girls, maybe some politics, and SPORTS. Hence, the common topic of sports for guys to get together and talk is a great ice-breaker and friendship-builder.

Also, perhaps by watching the world cup, people will be inspired to play football, and thus leading a healthier lifestyle as they get to run about. There are lots of working males who do not really exercise, and playing a sport like football makes them at least run about once in a while.

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Sports transcends normal social divisions - you can easily imagine 18 yearolds and 60 yearolds debating over this online, or bosses and subordinates chatting about it over the lunch break.

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To 'fit-in' in a social context - for bonding/networking. - because your boyfriend watches soccer news. - as a conversation starter/ topic

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Male bonding! D Scratch that, the females bond too in such events.

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It is a common topic of conversation not only among friends but even strangers. Moreover there is the betting element with permutations and combinations.

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Common topic in gatherings; opportunity to laugh at friends when their favorite teams falter

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Indeed- they make one identify with fellow fans in sports audiences due to shared interests, and hence fans can find camaradrie and a kind of self-affirmation that 'since others support the team I support, I must be rooting for a good cause'.

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Bonding, sense that you belong to a group, any group.

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probably a sense of belonging, being part of the throng in pubs or coffeeshops. Sharing view points.

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Common topics to discuss. It can be compared to watching the latest movies like X-men III and being able to share in the excitement. THere is also some nationalistic feeling in supporting an Asian team or European team. Partly due to herd mentality.

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Common ground in discussions, makes for good light hearted banter over a beer or two, makes one feels in place in a social setting where soccer, especially the World Cup is the prevalent topic.

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I believe some people would feel very much accepted by the society when they follow World Cup. It is just an excuse to party and socialize more often during a one-month period.

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The people will feel "connected" and there isn't a barrier to talking to strangers about the same theme. You may hook up to an opposite sex. And the sport outlets are the biggest winner as memorials, t-shirts are up for grabs.

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Yes... it can rally a nation together. Think about the Malaysia Cup

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Hmm, you mean a greater sense of community, connection to other people in the world, etc? Maybe it is a sense that you are a part of something greater than your everyday life.

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I am in no position to answer.

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Like the poll, it happens at (almost) fixed interval and you'll get nothing but football in the papers for a month! But seriously, I think the gambling elements increased the interest!

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making money

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Group bonding over a shared interest and activity (even if the 'activity' is drinking beer while watching a game). Water cooler conversations at the office - makes you feel included, part of the wider world. People, especially men, who don't watch World Cup soccer, if they are surrounded by many other 'regular' guys who do follow it, may feel more isolated and excluded during this period. Its also a good excuse to hang out with friends and have fun - its social.

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seeing the best teams play...the excitement and the tension of the sport and the event.

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The citizens of a country unites together to support their players and there could be greater cohesiveness.

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part of the flock of sheep

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sense of belonging and brotherhood

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A common topic. It is like THE pick up line for a guy to talk to another by asking if he is following the World Cup. Human thrives on interaction with others, and with a common topic, it will only serve to improve this opportunity to interact.

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A sense of identity, stakeholdership.

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I can't think of any other than perhaps the ability to talk about what everyone is talking about.

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shared experience, common 'language' of football, male bonding?

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If your country's team is in, the national pride quotient there is obvious. If the team you support is in, the effect on your ego is obvious. Of course, let's not forget the topic for social interaction.

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Something to talk about other than the usual crap about work, life and family and all that.

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Probably, at least once in 4 years, you don't feel odd or socially inept. For once, you're caught up in a frenzy along with everyone else, and there's no need for an excuse to go crazy. Even the wife will understand, or at the very least, tolerate it.

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get together

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common topic to talk about when you meet

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Socialisation, one of the few times in a place like singapore where it is permissible to talk to complete strangers. It's one of those times that i feel truly Singaporean. there's a form of connection between the members of the group that watch, and it crosses most social economic barriers.

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Erm...the benefit of being in the know when others discuss the latest wonder goal or the latest free-kick / penalty blunder or the latest sending off?

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the satisfaction of being in a social group -> sense of belonging / companionship / satisfying one's social needs

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Yes, look to Japan or Korea soccer supporters. They cheer , shout, play, love for their nation teams. A strong pride is built.

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