I downloaded the Yik Yak app on my phone in October. At first, I thought it was entertaining and a good way to waste time before class started. Reading about people’s random hookups in the lecture halls and everyone’s drunk stories was funny at first, but within a matter of days I was disgusted with some of the things I was reading.
The anonymous posts by students degrading and attacking others because of their race and appearance made me angrier than I would’ve imagined. I was frustrated that there are so many students who are willing to hurt others and not think anything of it because their name and photo isn’t directly connected to the post.
On Monday, Nov. 3, Black Student Union held its annual Unity Rally in the Student Union. The Yik Yaks posted after the event made me delete the app. After the recent Ferguson trial, I saw screenshots on Twitter and Instagram of even more Yik Yaks attacking UB students who were voicing their opinions.
Once a Yik Yak gets five down votes, it disappears. Some Yik Yaks were left up for far too long, some with even 30 or more up votes. This means that not only does one person feel this way, but also 30 people agree. It’s cyber bullying and as college students, it should be unacceptable.
After deleting the app, I felt sorry for UB students.
I didn’t feel sorry for the students who are attacked and stereotyped. I feel sorry for the students who feel empowered from anonymous Yik Yaks. I feel sorry for the students who think there is a hierarchy even though we all sit in the same lectures, ride the same bus, wait in the same line for food and will eventually attend the same graduation ceremony as we leave UB.
UB is one of the most diverse schools in the nation but that doesn’t mean the students are fully accepting of other cultures.
The saddest part to me is we never know who writes these posts. The guy smiling at you and asking for a pencil can be the same one attacking you online seconds later.
You may never be able to change the way people look at you but that isn’t what’s important. You have to change the way you look at other people.
Educate yourself.
This semester, I’ve sat in general body meetings held by different Student Association clubs. In just one hour, it’s amazing how much information you walk out with. UB students on the executive boards take the time to lead a discussion that results in some of the most controversial topics such as race, religion, violence, sexuality, politics and much more.
I’ve learned that there are certain words you just don’t say. I’ve learned that just because someone is of a different religion, it doesn’t mean his or her values and morals differ from mine. I’ve learned that there is a story behind every person’s actions. I’ve learned to be open-minded and accept the beauty within every culture.
I don’t think it’s possible to graduate and plan to explore the world when you never explored your own campus. There are immense opportunities sitting right in front of each and every one of us, but some are too afraid to step outside of our comfort zone.
It’s almost that time of year when people start thinking of their New Year resolutions; goals that seem attainable at first but will eventually be forgotten. Every single student should come back next semester with a resolution – attend at least one general body meeting of an SA club you would never imagine yourself being a part of. Try new foods and listen to new music before you post a Yik Yak about the girl next to you who is eating the food or listening to the music.
I don’t expect people to delete the Yik Yak app. After all, it is very entertaining. I just hope that as UB students, people stop posting and up voting derogatory posts that should never surface on campus.
email: features@ubspectrum.com
