TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Sept. 17 -- Florida State University issued the following news release:

The U.S. Open has long separated itself from tennis' other majors with its noise, celebrity energy and New York spectacle. This year, however, one post-match conversation raised a broader question for sports: When does content creation enhance an event, and when does it become a distraction?

Influencers and content creators have become fixtures at sporting events, concerts and other entertainment venues, helping brands reach younger and highly engaged audiences. With large followings and a steady stream of viral content, they can shape how fans discover events, athletes and teams.

But after tennis superstar Naomi Osaka's first-round win at the U.S....