By Sullivan McGee//
Hurtful comments and posts including leaked personal information have appeared on the social media platform Yik Yak recently at Hood College.
Yik Yak is a social media app where people can make anonymous comments that show up for users within a five-mile radius. The app was just relaunched in 2021 after first launching in 2013.
Chief of Campus Safety Thurmond Maynard sent an email to students on Nov. 18 about the recent abuse that was brought to his attention on Yik Yak.
Students have been using the anonymity of the app to say hurtful things about others, sometimes even including the name of the person they’re describing.
“Being anonymous gives them the freedom to say whatever’s on their minds without filtering their comments, Maynard said. “It’s sad that people find joy in putting others down.”
However, if needed, law enforcement can inquire into Yik Yak’s records to see who posted what.
While the anonymity of Yik Yak can lead to certain problems, other apps and websites have similar issues. Certain social media structures “create some not-so-positive platforms where people can’t really communicate,” Maynard said.
Maynard encouraged all Hood students to have “positive and mature interactions,” and to remember to be empathetic toward each other.
People can learn and grow from their interactions with others, but if they continuously choose to use unhealthy methods, “you’re bound to be…wheels in the mud, and not be able to move forward,” Maynard said.
Maynard suggested several resources for students to use instead of airing grievances on Yik Yak.
Students are always able to bring up their problems with Hood’s administration. Students can also contact Hood’s counselor, John Slick, or Hood’s Title IX Coordinator, Runako Allsopp, J.D.
Additionally, students can use the NeighborHood Counseling Training Center (NCTC) which is run by Hood’s master’s program in counseling.
NCTC offers both in-person and telehealth appointments. Interested students or community members can email NCTC@hood.edu or call 301-696-3129.
Finally, Maynard addressed the coming finals. “These last couple weeks are gonna be difficult…Take your time and use it wisely. Turn off Yik Yak and open up a book.”
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