The once popular, yet controversial, app “YikYak” has seen a spike in users as of recently.
Yik Yak is a social media app in which one is shown anonymous posts within a five-mile radius, with most of ETSU’s campus encapsulated into that one region. The anonymous format plus the limited scope of one’s posts will reach leads to some unhinged content.
A good thing about Yik Yak is that it creates a sense of community amongst students. Campus feels like it is brimming with life. People poke fun at their neighbors for being too loud, complain about classes or just spout whatever is on their minds.
When Yik Yak is at its best, it is a mosaic of the college experience; exhilarating, stressful and messy. There is something reassuring about seeing other people struggle in the same ways. I guess the best way to put it is that misery loves company.
However, Yik Yak has a plethora of negative attributes that all stem from its anonymous feature. There is a way to report posts for bullying, but usually they don’t get taken down until after the damage is done. Rumors are rampant on the app, mainly pertaining to Greek life and specific well-known figures on campus. The rumors are usually harmless, sometimes even hilarious, but they usually cast a bad light on the chosen victim.
Negativity is rampant on Yik Yak, which makes sense. Some people use the app as a way to vent their emotions and feelings, but others use it as a way to bring down those around them. Anonymity allows users to post their real thoughts without repercussions, something I do not think the internet needs. Bullying, sexual comments and offensive statements are posted frequently. Arguments persist in the comment sections of those posts, and nobody is happy.
Yik Yak has the potential to be a binding force amongst this fragmented campus, allowing students to connect over skipping classes and failing tests. However, the rumor mills and offensive comments designed to garner attention create an overarching sense of negativity and discomfort. We need to either stop giving offensive posts attention or migrate over to a new app that does not offer a shield of anonymity.
