Anonymous social networks have been increasing in popularity, particularly around college campuses. One such network, Yik Yak, allows users to post anonymous messages publicly to other users who are within a 1.5-mile radius. After its launch, the app quickly became a huge hit on high school and college campuses. According to a NYTimes article, Yik Yak is downloaded in the Apple App store more than any other anonymous social app.
Along with the app’s quick rise to popularity, there have been growing concerns regarding its use. The aspect of anonymity has enabled users to speak their minds freely, sometimes in a potentially harmful way. There are increasing concerns that Yik Yak is being used for cyber bullying, harassment, and hate speech. Due to such issues, the founders of Yik Yak made the decision to stop access to the app on high school campuses last year. More recently, according to an article in the Huffington Post, a federal complaint was filed on May 7, 2015 against the University of Mary Washington in Virginia. The complaint alleges that the University allowed a sexually hostile environment to continue by its failure in part to respond to complaints that Yik Yak was being used to post harassing comments and threats of violence against female students.
Supporters of anonymous social networks such as Yik Yak point to the importance and the value of freedom of speech. The creators of Yik Yak have stated that their intent was to level the playing field and to provide a platform for people who did not necessarily have a large number of followers. With Yik Yak, a person who posts can have their posts read by a large audience, even if they do not have many followers. Some of the supporters of anonymous social networks have expressed the opinion that students are cognizant about how their comments online may affect their personal brand, and that this may discourage them from speaking up about certain topics. They argue that forums such as Yik Yak may serve a positive purpose – that of providing a place for students to make controversial observations and to engage in controversial discussions.
Should anonymous social networks like Yik Yak be restricted from geographic areas around college campuses because of the potential for harm, or should they remain available in order to protect the right to freedom of speech?
#spcethics
I think they should remain open to protect the value in our Freedom of speech. Yik Yak provides the invisible cover to users who would not ordinarily express themselves a forum, a platform in which they can discuss anything and everything. Of course there will always be abusers no matter what platform that is provided however that is an individual and an entire platform should not be judged solely on those actions. What about the people who have been able to connect and engage in intellectual thoughts? Should we penalize them? I think however there should be some sort of exception to ban abusers, negative thinkers, distasteful comments and the latter. The concept of Yik Yak is needed, so people can express themselves within their amendments without fear of their identity being compromised, sometimes we are able to really say what we truly mean when we hide behind built up facades.
As college students and growing adults looking to enter society we have to rise above and learn that silence is powerful. Not every comment is meant for every person, not every thought is meant to be agreed upon from every individual. The harsh reality is that there are mean, evil, twisted people in the world its a fact, monitor those and help others if possible by inserting an exception… There is someone right now Im sure logged onto that very site that is grateful to have someone read and view their words that might not otherwise be heard because of lack of socialization, the unpopular, left out crowd that seek the simple validation that their words were read. I do not think this platform should be taken away.
Call me old, old fashioned, or out of touch, but I am NOT a big fan of anonymous communication online because of its lack of true communication. Too much meaning is lost when there is no face to face chats. Body language and tone are two important factors in communication that are lost in an online forum. I look at some of the quarreling on Facebook and it seems that people have become keyboard warriors; there are no repercussions for telling someone “how it is” anonymously. Even if you do know them, chances are they live many miles away, so the “fear” is gone. It seems like the more sophisticated we get, the more advanced with technology we are, the baser our instincts become.
Are anonymous social media networks a good idea? I would say they are a waste of time. I would bet that most of the free thinking types on these networks lack the social grace and wisdom that is sorely lacking in our society today. Whenever I needed something important in my life, I had to talk or interact with a human being; I had to look in a woman’s eye to ask her to marry me or greet a potential employer with a firm handshake and a smile. Nothing is more satisfying than communicating honestly with another human being.
Should anonymous networks be banned? No. It’s still a free country and what people want to do with their time should be up to them. I think a reasonable person should learn how to communicate their ideals personally and to me it’s sad that many think they need an anonymous platform in order to do so.
Users that are found abusing the service should be banned ( be it email or IP address). Having it being anonymous gives some people key courage and think they can get away saying nasty things to other users. I know I am surprised daily reading how nasty some people get on social media for having a difference in opinion. It goes from a difference of opinion to calling names and then it just gets meaner. The program was made with a positive goal. Sad the world has some people that feels it necessary to bash or verbally attack other people. Cyber bulling has become a real problem these days. If you think about it though why let a anonymous strangers words bother you. If someone is taking it to far there is a easy solution just delete the app. I agree with both sides though. If I had a child in high school I would rather them not use the app. As a parent I would be concerned with them being in a hostile anonymous atmosphere. In my opinion there are a ton more activities they could be doing to better them self and life. As a college student and for the aspect of freedom of speech it is their choice to use it and if it gets to negative as a said before just delete the app and move on.
I think anonymous social networks like Yik Yak should be restricted. An anonymous social network can make it easier for hurtful and derogatory speech toward others. We have already enough bullies on other social networks that identify who they really are. I don’t think the use of an anonymous social networks like Yik Yak should be use in high school campuses. Talking about high school students, we are talking about minors who are under our care and direction. It is meant to limit distractions. We all like to have our freedom of speech, but that does not mean we have freedom to hurt others.
I believe anonymous could potentially be a good thing. It give people that are shy a chance to express themselves without a fear of being judged or rejected. People can ask possible embarrassing situations or questions they need help with. It gives the user complete comfort when it comes to posting how they feel.
That being said, this could be very dangerous. Just because the user is anonymous, does not mean the names or photos they post are. This could be a large forum for cyber bullying, which is becoming a bigger and bigger problem. It would be possible to ban emails from using the site, but unfortunately it is not difficult to create another email and the cyber bullying continue. People can be relentless and mean. Until there is a way to completely regulate it, I do not believe anonymous social media should be encouraged.
From someone who doesn’t like social media for the negative reasons people are using it. I have actually used and enjoyed the app Yik Yak. I like the anonymity of it. I would use it to post silly topics, and read whats going on at the local college campuses. I haven’t seen anything negative or bullying being used on there, but I can see how it can be used on the high school level. Not only is there bullying going on at school but children are using social media to torment others, and Yik Yak provided that outlet for those to stay hidden. I like the fact that you can look on FB as a quick source of information- whether its someone you know personally or as a news outlet for the world. But what children don’t understand is once its out there it cant be taken back. This is an issue that our elders didn’t have to worry about as children, things were handled differently.
While the right to free speech should be protected I do not agree that anonymous blogs should be used in college campuses. Yes, American citizens have the right to say what they feel, but they should also be held accountable for their words. Accountability is normally looked at in a negative way, but this is not the only side. If a person believes in something enough to blog about it then they should in turn want to take credit for their thoughts and beliefs. Anonymous networks which allow anonymity could make students feel a superman complex. In other words they might not speak as eloquently or scholarly because there is no accountability for what they say. In our scholarly endeavors we should remain honest and proud in our opinions and beliefs. I was always taught not to say something or right anything down if you don’t want anyone else to hear it. When you have to own your comments it in turn causes you to think more thoroughly and not just speak out of anger or on a feeling with no intellectual backing. Protect our right to freedom of speech, but also be proud of the things you say.
I agree with you, so many people get the “superman” complex. Feeling that they are untouchable when you are not made accountable for what you say then people tend to say whatever they feel. This causes a lack in intellectual thinking. Anonymous social media sites should not be banned completely, but I do not think they should be allowed in or around the classroom. This is a place where students should be accountable for what they say and compelled to provide validity with their comments.
I think websites like this should remain open. It isn’t fair to shut down the website for the people who treat these forums properly and with respect just because others decide to take freedom of speech to that kind of disrespectful level. I also don’t think people understand that this type of bullying and harassment isn’t just in the high school and college communities. Some adults are just as rude and mean as teenagers and children. The best option I feel would be to just monitor these type of sites and ban the individuals who do not use it properly. No type of social media can be perfect, just regulated.
Yik Yak is not to blame for abusers of social media. Neither is Facebook or Twitter or Instagram or whatever. Using such social media websites, especially those that are private, will always have their risks. Cyber-bullying, as well as cheating, is a big issue on ANY social media. In any social situation, including school (college), work, and parties, there will be issues between students, co-workers, etc. We need to keep in mind that there are students who want to use it for positive thinking and intellectual conversations. We do have the freedom of speech and we have the right to schooling. Most students go to school to learn and be successful in the future. Those who are using sites to do negative things are doing wrong, but we should not penalize the students who are doing good.
I believe that certain application such as Yik Yak do raise an ethical concern and should be restricted. Not only can you do harmful speeches or cyber bullying but you could also take pictures of assignments or even tests to help the people in the college out. The part that makes it worse is that it will be anonymous and the Dean of the school can not find out who was the one to post it so they can go into questioning and follow up on their academic honesty policy. Thats why I believe it should not be in schools like that.
I believe that these anonymous social websites shouldn’t be restricted, but rather moderated in some fashion. I’m not sure how a site like this could be moderated, but that would be the best way to keep these sites and still have them used at campuses. Any users that are using it for ill intent should be IP banned to try and help clean the forums.
I also don’t think this is a freedom of speech issue, more of a safety issue. Of course there are exceptions and certain people will still try to use this site ill intently.
I think anonymity is good if we can keep it moderated, it helps people say what they want whether it is good or if it goes against public opinion.
Although I do use and enjoy social media. I am well aware of the harm that can be done to others with its use.
Facebook and Twitter are non-anonymous forms of social media and people have been driven to suicide from cyber bullies on these platforms.
I have a Facebook account and I see posts that I find to be offensive and hurtful being made by people whose name can be attributed to it.
I could not imagine what kind of horrible things would be posted on an anonymous form of social media. I believe anonymous social media should be banned.
In saying that, I do believe in the freedom of speech, however I also believe that if you have something to say, say it openly, do not hide behind anonymity.
Personally, i dont think Yik Yak should be restricted because it wasnt doing any harm to anybody. I think websites like Facebook, twitter are to express yourself in any way that you feel like it. Of course, in society we have people that abuse the freedom of speech and use it to say harmful things to one another but thats the price you got to pay when you open an account on social media, not everybody is going to agree with you or like you.
I am a firm believer in the Freedom of Speech. Even when I don’t agree with the concept behind the speech I can understand the legal and moral necessity to have the freedom to express your beliefs. Anonymous social media used for bullying and harassment though is something completely different in my mind. When used in this way it should become criminal, which is obviously where the “anonymous” part comes into argument. If you are going to have a strong opinion, and fully believe in it and want to share it, you should absolutely have the conviction of character to do so openly, and be willing to accept the consequences. The internet has made it okay for people to make threats to our president with very little fear of the consequences. The ‘safety’ of the internet has made it okay to bully people we don’t even know, and to rant and rave when in the ‘real world’ we would never have the courage to do so, right or wrong.
I do not believe that social media sitesapps like Yik Yak should be banned on or around college campuses. High schools seem like an appropriate place to block them. We trust young people to turn from adolescent to adult between the age of 17 and 18, if we send them off to college what good does it do society if we are still making decisions for them? But, I do believe that there should be ways to track users, I do not believe in completely anonymous online usage. I think that if a college student chooses to use sites/apps like this to harass another user there should be consequences. Until we create strong enough laws to protect internet users though, I believe we have to trust the judgement of college students, we want them to make the right decisions, we have to let them MAKE those decisions.
I completely believe in free speech but at what cost. I have 2 kids, 1 in middle school and 1 in high school. The amount of bullying and hatred on social media is mind blowing. I read all social media sites that my kids are on and there is no good that comes from these sites. Kids are dropping out of school and committing suicide over comments on sites like Yik Yak. Is it really work it???
This may be controversial because of the obvious ways this application can be abused. However, the fact the people have been taking advantage of technology for their own personal benefit will never cease to exist. Much like the argument over legalization of some fire arms. Guns are just tools that can be abused like any other technology. Banning the app itself will never solve the underlying problem in the situation. That is people them selfs. If its possible educate people, change the general cultural, and hold accountable for their actions while regulating overall use of cell phone use in school problems such as these would be much less frequent.
I believe the right to free speech is important and should always be protected. Yik Yak does provide a platform for individuals to post their views on certain topics without being recognized for it. For some some people who don’t do well with speaking their mind around other people it gives them the opportunity to be heard. It is also the responsibility of others who post comments to do so in a respectful manner. The world is not a perfect place, and unfortunately there are those who are uneducated and destructive thriving on making others miserable. In this case it is important to understand self worth and to not be intimidated by these reckless individuals. Be educated, live your life as you see fit, and always be yourself.
I think Yik Yak should remain available in order to protect the right to freedom of speech, but that doesn’t mean that you can say hurtful stuff to other people. They should also know the limit and think about what others will feel and put their selves in others shoes. I am against any kinds of bullying, but sad to say that in our world we can never get rid of that situation. Everywhere we go people has always have to say something to other people. They don’t care who you are, whether you’re rich or poor, pretty or ugly, fat or fit, or famous or normal. People will bully people, but it just depends on you how you will handle it. Some would just just ignore it and don’t care, but some would get affected and do something crazy. For me, it just depends on the person how they will handle it. So, I don’t think they should banned Yik Yak.
I do believe in free speech. You don’t have to use Yik-Yak. You are making that choice so you have to deal with consequences of that choice. My whole problem with it is that it is anonymous. It is set up for that behavior on it’s website because of that. If you have to put your name on something you might think twice about what you are saying.
The creators of Yik Yak have every right to restrict certain areas, and I feel that if they want to- let them. I don’t know if there are terms and conditions for it, but I’m sure there are for their own legal protection. If they feel a certain amount of users in a particular area are not using the app for their intended use, by all means, let the creators block them from being able to continue using it. As a population, if you are given access to something by someone in particular and use it for an unintended use, whether or not it causes harm…if the people who gave you access have the ability to cut off your access, so be it.
This is a tough one because I believe that the internet is a very pure form of freedom in many ways. The internet is like fire in the sense that it can be a tremendous tool, but needs constant attention to keep from getting out of control – the question is, “who is going to monitor it ethically?” Social media websites are great because you can reach so many people with the effort of marketing ideas or businesses, or if you want to just know what some people you went to elementary school are up to. It can also be a nightmare with underage kids going into chat rooms or apps and predators abusing captive and curious minds. I think we have done a good job of self-regulating the internet for the most part and a heavy amount of responsibility falls on parents to monitor their children’s internet habits. The most important part to remember for so many is that the internet acts as a mask or solace for so many lonely souls and whatever they’re saying or doing in their dank basement really doesn’t matter. Why should anyone really care about what someone says about them, especially if they’re too much of a coward to put their name on it? I know that many people do not have very thick skin, but if the internet is ruining your day, then go outside and get some fresh air – realize how beautiful the real world is and unplug. The biggest problem with social media is the addiction that it has created on our culture – try going out in public and finding someone that isn’t playing on their phone.
The proliferation of social media on the internet has been enormous. An individual can connect with other individuals that share an idea, a belief, a religion, a hobby, an obscure or promiscuous sexual behavior, or just keep up with family and friends. Social media has obviously had a huge impact on our lives. Who doesn’t go on facebook? Social media connects everyone directly or indirectly. That is where the concern lies for me. Social media and anonymous social media, such as Yik Yak, could be used by deviant individuals to try and harm or damage others. It is similar to yelling fire in a theater on a broader scale. It is also important to note that social media sites are used for general and useful purposes. Social media posts trigger flash mobs of performance artists to converge on public places to sing,dance, or pose nude. There is potential for damage or harm to occur if one does not use care and common sense when using social media or reacting to posts by others. I don’t think we need government regulation of social media. The marketplace is a good self regulator. If people don’t like something they wont use it. Clearly though there is potential for harm and potential for discovery using anonymous and regular social media.
Anonymous social networks like Yik Yak should be restricted not only from geographic areas around college campuses, but also all together. Freedom of speech should be protected, however if someone is going to threaten, or harass someone, then they should be accountable for their actions. If sites such as, Yik Yak, allow users to verbally abuse, or cause harm to another person, then they shouldn’t be able to get away with it. These types of anonymous social media networks allow and promote users to endanger another being, and get away with it. These types of sites almost encourage users to break the law, because the users know that they are anonymous, and that they can get away with what they say. Freedom of speech is limited in certain ways for the safety of others. If one is sexually harassing, or threatening another, then their freedom of speech isn’t protected, because they are bringing harm to another.
I don’t think that going to the extreme of making anonymous social networks like Yik Yak be restricted from geographic areas around college campuses because of the potential for harm is a solution of the problem. However, I do not agree on letting people post whatever they want means freedom of speech. I think we as a society should reenforce values, manners, respect, and compassion on people. Nowadays, there is way to much room for people to abuse social networks and use it against others. We have to proactively work in education. That is our best tool in order to prevent this type of issues.
I think that sites like Yik Yak should be allowed and available to everyone and not be restricted from certain areas. These sites allow students to express their views without being publicly shamed on campus in front of their peers. It also allows the more quieter and less outspoken people to have their voice heard and not be overshadowed by the more popular and outspoken people. If you ban sites like these from certain areas you would also be infringing on people freedom of speech right. Not all people use it to harass people and be obnoxious. Some people use it as an outlet for life which is better than some outlets. It allows people to let their emotions out without being judged.
I have never heard of this app. It sounds to me that it may be a good thing in one aspect of people being able to ask question or speak of things that they normally would not be able to. They may get some kind of feedback that will help then in their lives that they would not otherwise feel comfortable to ask in person.
On another note, I can see how it may not be a good thing with the harassment and threats that can be made. People are able to put hurtful comments or topics there that aren’t too hard to figure out in such a small radius. It almost seems more appropriate to maybe broaden the area that it includes.
Gretna Allen
I feel that social networks like Yik Yak should be restricted from geographic areas such as college campuses because I feel more harm can be done than good. Although, I do believe that everyone is entitled to freedom of speech because it gives a voice to the little people or to those who are unheard. However, this type of social network will only be another avenue for cyber bullying, harassment and hatred. This age group is my concern, these young adults attending college are just that young adults. Many have just graduated from high school and are unexperienced at life. They have not matured much and are very impressible. If not closely monitor a network like this could cause many to be distracted and experience undue stress or death all for the expression for freedom of speech. Moreover, I agree with the founder’s decision to stop access on high school campuses. This is breeding ground for harassment of all sorts. Freedom of speech is a great privilege that we as a nation have been granted, however, when it comes to people’s lives been threatened or harassment because of malice, envy and hatred, there has to be an end.
I don’t think anonymous social networking sites should necessarily be restricted. I feel that because of freedom of speech, no one has the right to restrict it is unfair to restrict access to the app anywhere. If the founders of Yik Yak or similar apps like Whisper decide that the network is creating a potentially hostile environment it is their call. However, no one else has the right to come in and say it needs to be shut down of restricted.
All that being said, I personally think anonymous social networking sites are bad news. Something about being anonymous, it gives people this courage to say things that they otherwise would never say. I think this “behind the screen” courage, is harmful. You don’t have to own up to your words. You can just put them out there and hide behind a screen. If you’re a bully you don’t have to see the results of your hateful words. You don’t have to see the crushed looked or the tears in the other kids/persons eyes when you break their spirit. This goes for hating on and bullying people for their sexual orientation, religion, and race as well. The majority of people have some sort of filter on their mouth. Even if something mean pops into your head, you don’t necessarily say it. Hiding behind the screen, anonymously, the filter tends to go out the window. Guys that normally would think better before saying some explicit sexual details and requests to a woman or girl, suddenly don’t care. They’re going to say whatever because they don’t have to personally own up behind what they’re saying. Also, because of the anonymity it’s impossible to monitor if someone is posing a threat to themselves or others. If someone posts that they are going to kill themselves or someone else, there’s nothing that anyone, including the founders can do to step in and stop a tragedy from happening. When my kid get old enough that he has a smart phone (which will not be until well into high school), you better believe I will be having a talk with him about such apps if I see the icon for one on his phone.
I don’t believe Yik Yak is to blame for any social issues we have today. Facebook, Instagram and many other social networking sites can be to blame and we shouldn’t be focusing the blame on just one website because it is an anonymously posted. I think that it should be continued to be allowed in “business” if Facebook and all these other sites remain accessible. We all have a right to Freedom of Speech whether it is posted privately or not. People say cyber bullying is an issue and this Yik Yak site is just escalating it but cyber bullying and harassing are going to be an ongoing issue as long as social media is around and it is not going to stop or decrease if this app gets taken down. The main use of this app was not to hurt anybody at all, it was directed toward High School and College students who should have the maturity to be able to handle such websites but with the world we live in someone is always going to mess up an enjoyable thing for everyone whether its a social media thing or if its something completely different. We live in a world where children, teenagers, young adults, and even older adults lives are ran by technology and hide behind a computer screen when it comes to bullying. Nobody wants to own up to what they say which is why some of these apps are developed. I don’t believe that this app should be taken down but I do believe that it should be restricted to college students and I agree with the decision that it not be allowed for kids still in high school.
I agree with the others that say YikYak is not to blame for the social issues we have today. These social issues are inevitable no matter the social media app. Although, the anonymity factor is a gate way to the people to abuse the nature of the app. It is more likely for someone to stick up for themselves anonymously than it is with their own name and that is just sad. Everyone should stick up for themselves using their own name. If you have a belief or an opinion that you feel needs to be shared than just share it. The only factor that will make not using your name a good idea is if you are trying to bash someone personally. There is no need to even state your opinion or how you feel if you are just going to violate the rights of another person. That is when someone can cross the line and that is when your safety comes into play.
In regards to one’s safety, it is normally not an issue if you use your right to freedom of speech correctly. Harming others through a phone or computer screen is not freedom of speech it becomes bullying. There are always those comments that state “freedom of speech,” I can say what I want.” Which generally is true but if you are hiding behind a fake username in order to say what you want than that is just being a coward. In result to the bullying of others that can lead to the harm of other people. It won’t harm the person saying it but it could lead the people they are bashing to do some regretful actions.
YikYak is not the cause of this bullying but the anonymous factor will encourage some people to say what they want with no limitations and it can be harmful like it was in the situations at the high school and college campuses stated above.
First and foremost is there really “anonymous” anything? Yes I do understand a technical “hit and run” as in the Yik Yak application. Is it really anonymous? With all the advancements of technology I do not believe anything in the cyber world is without a trace. One question remains does he who has the best hacker win? Now that the question of anonymous is out of the way, let’s get to the issue at hand, to censor or not? I think that it should be restricted for several reasons. First I hear Dr. Martin Luther King in my head, sitting in a jail in Alabama….”be open” about your grievance. If you have an issue, stand in that truth, without harm or malice. “Any law that degrades human personality is unjust” (King). So do we allow someone, anyone to slam, insult or degrade via social “anonymous” media? No! “The Supreme Court has also recognized that the government may prohibit some speech that may cause a breach of the peace or cause violence” (Cornell.edu). Based on this I agree it should be restricted on college campuses. Why did Yik Yak agree to ban it on high school? Was it because they were “minors”? Or was it because it was disruptive? Yes there are abusers everywhere and yes people take advantage. Based on the Supreme Court ruling on “breach of peace or cause violence” I wonder what will happen in the current court case. I wonder if our founding father are rolling in their graves at the thought of this…freedom of speech in cyberspace.
I think that they should remain available. Not necessarily because of freedom of speech, but because of the hateful things that were said on Yik Yak. Everywhere you go, you will find hate and harassment online. Whether anonymous or not. At least this way they have a chance to provide a platform for people who did not necessarily have a large number of followers and can be heard. To solve conflicts, Yik Yak should employ people to review posts that say hurtful things and delete them or suspend the user’s account (yes they are anonymous but they have to make an account… right?). Even if there are no accounts, and the website creators do not catch the rude things being said, they can make an option to where you are able to thumbs down a post or report the post or something along those lines.
You can restrict anonymous social networks, but it will not solve much. People can still make fake accounts or simply say these rude things using their own profile. Sadly, these things happen all the time. People are still entitled to say/write whatever they want. It will never be 100% avoidable in any website, let alone anonymous social networks, but having them are still helpful. On these websites, everyone is equal. It gives people the opportunity to be heard on a level that everyone is on. The importance of the person does not matter. It is what is being said that matters. None if this should discourage them from speaking up about certain topics. It is all anonymous, so no one should be embarrassed about bringing up a certain topic.
If it comes to a point where the vast majority of the anonymous site is used by people posting hurtful things, then that is when they should call it quits. There would be no point in the website anymore.
This topic is very controversial because people do participate in cyber bullying and it seems to me that this Yik Yak is an open forum for harassment and cyber bullying. Yes freedom of speech does exist, but when that rule was put into play I don’t believe it was for the purpose of harassment.
Everyone is entitled to their opinions and I do agree that these anonymous forums give people the courage to speak their mind and say things they would not in person. This type of forum allows some people to truly be themselves. It is hard to say if something should or should not be “allowed” to download and use an anonymous forum because we should not have to worry about cyber bullying and harassment and that is the problem of the person doing it. It is sad that the world has turned out to be this way really.
When it comes to the question of high school I absolutely think that these types of apps should be blocked. This time of life has such a large problem with bullying and the suicides that result in it are really horrifying. If we can remove an app and take away one less outlet for people to bully others, I think we should, maybe it will save a few lives. bullies will always find a way no matter what, once they have a target they do not stop until something is done, so removing this app obviously won’t prevent cyber bullying, it will however, limit the amount of bullies. I say this because if things are anonymous s and someone has a bad day, they may decide to put someone else down to feel better, knowing that the people do not know who they are and they will not ever be found out.
In conclusion, yes freedom of speech is legit, but its purpose is not to hurt people and one less outlet for bullies is a good thing in my opinion.
Ahh! The internet, both a tool for education and a voice for the down trodden. Wait! What’s that you say? Someone misusing the internet and all its capabilities? Quick, avoid the situation, blame others, ask for government oversight, write something nasty and unintelligible, and make sure whatever it is, use as many emojis as possible and poor grammar.
Hold on though, I thought the internet and technology has developed to the point that, at least here in western civilization, we are allowed to exercise our freedom of speech. So I think your kid is dumb (cue crying child; Government, write a regulation.) Government, “You will now be fined $250 for calling kids dumb.”
O.K. I get it. A little over simplified, but there is some truth to what I say. We have become a society of tolerance. So much so that, you get a ribbon, and you get a ribbon, everybody gets a ribbon. What happened to raising your children to be civil and respectful of others? Or perhaps, monitoring your child’s access? Plain and simple it comes down to parenting. If children are raised properly, then there would not be so many incidents. I’m not saying that it won’t happen at all, nor am I saying that a “sexually hostile environment” is acceptable either; although I am willing to bet that if one googles the scientific community, any number of research projects will pop up in reference to parental involvement and bullying.
So I will make a statement now. I hate ignorant people. I also hate inconsiderate and self-absorbed people. Did you catch it? I said, HATE. Am I now a hate speech perpetrator? In fact I will tell you the same thing face to face. I have before. I am not rude or necessarily mean. But if you are self-absorb, I feel it is my duty to let you know. I am only trying to make you, thus the world a better place. The thing is I do not need to say it anonymously. The other thing is, unfortunately you have to tolerate it. So long as I do not cross a certain line.
Should anonymous social networks be restricted or allowed? I say allowed. If we do away with anonymity, then we do away with the voice, that those in need of a voice, actually have. The female reporter in a tyrannical regime that make us aware of the abuse. Or, the individual that whistle blows. Social media used in this context is a very powerful tool. Let it not be taken away. The other side of the argument is do not abuse it either.
One final thought. When your child is called obese, how about instead of “its o.k. just continue to be obese. Sure you can have some more cookies. I know it comforts you. Don’t worry about all the health risk involved with your obesity, the worst of which you could die at an early age. It will all be fine.” Instead try “I know it was hurtful, but put the cookies down and pick up some carrots. Get off your obese butt and go and do some exercises. We still love you and we will be here along the way to help you lose weight, so that you no longer have such high health risk.” Then give them a hug or something, explain that people lash out because of their own insecurities, send ‘em back out into the world. Repeat until they get the idea. And for goodness sakes, stop with the damn ribbons.
Next….. If you can’t spell, use decent grammar, or even put a thought together in some form of intelligent thought pattern, STAY OFF THE INTERNET.
This is the Seer Knower, out.
I am confused. from your first statement “I don’t think anonymous social networking sites should necessarily be restricted. “, it is unclear where you stand on the issue.
BTW. Yes everyone, “has the right to come in and say it needs to be shut down of restricted. ” T
I agree with Angela Clark’s comment. I don’t think Yik Yak should be restricted simply because there are “bullies” who post nasty comments. People who are “hurt” by negative comments have no true perspective on evil, and should just delete the app. On the other hand, it is dangerous as minors can post their personal information and be targeted by predators, BUT, I personally think that falls back on the Parent’s because it is their responsibility to monitor their children’s social networks and the info they give out.. So, that leaves me with the opinion that Yik Yak, and all anonymous social networks, should not be restricted, but should be used by adults. As for college campuses, I agree that classrooms are a place where students should be held accountable for what they say. But outside of the classrom, they are still adults with the right to freedom of speech. I don’t believe that you can add exceptions to that right, it’s not called,
“freedom of speech except when it hurts someone’s feelings.” You should be able to use apps such as Yik Yak to discuss any and everything going on in the world. If you feel you are being targeted by an individual than simply delete the app.. Obviously if it continues then it’s a bigger problem that should involve the police, but that goes beyond Yik Yak and I don’t believe anybody will be able to blame the App in a court of law for an individuals actions.
Social medias have become one the most controversial topics of this generation. According to the information from this passage I think social networks like Yik Yak should be restricted around high school, and middle school campuses because of potential harm to students or others. I’m not too sure about restricting it in college campuses. Apart from remaining it available to have the right of freedom of speech because we should all be liable to have the right, I think college students have that age to think a little wiser about what to put in social Medias. Now, the case isn’t always like how we would like it to be. If presented with harm or threats to the campus, students or others in the area, they should face the consequences of their action. I’d see why people would argue of having rights restricted but it’s for the well of everyone. As we commonly known, cyberbullying is a big deal! I think it should be considered a crime. Cyber bullying doesn’t just happen to teenager but to anyone. If people aren’t responsible, enough to act well behaved in social medias like yik yak, they should be provided with regulations. “Better to be safe than sorry “ is how the saying goes. Yik Yak creators said it themselves that the purpose of this specific media was to provide a place where students can engage in controversial discussions, which is great, but when it becomes a site available to anyone anonymously can join conversation from a mile away I think that’s where we can avoid the unexpected. Yik Yak’s idea helps students express their thoughts and freedom to what they think about any issues, but I think it be smarter if the app was specially, with the permission of the campus, to allow the service only to students. That way it’d be a service that the school would have control of allowing in the campus, and any harm could be avoided.
It should be allowed because people take freedom of speech to far and say some hurtful things. I know it is for college students but in this day and age with all these killing on campus people don’t know the mental stability of other people and if you say the wrong thing to the wrong person you can trigger something. There is nothing wrong with freedom of speech but people can be very heartless. You can say whatever you want to say with no filter that is too much power for people to have and there will always be that one person that takes it too far and becomes a bully. People don’t have thick skin like they use too so everything becomes offensive. I understood what the creators of Yik Yak was trying to do but they did not take into the consideration the type of people that would be attracted to the social network. The fact that, they had to take it away from high school students shows you that kids and young adults can be ruthless. I don’t think anything posted on that website was educational or informative I just think it was people ranting about how they hate certain individuals and writing out sick fantasies. That is how I see it happening in my head. I have never been on a social network like that because I know that I have a bad temper and I would probably want to react if anyone said something disrespectful to me but that is my personality. So if you know that are easily offended or have anger problems you should stay away from those type of websites. Social websites are around for people to interact with one another but it becomes an issue when people take things too far and you feel as if your life or other lives might be in danger because you don’t know what people are capable of and unfortunately in this day and age social media is becoming front and center in a lot of suicides and homicides and that was never the intended purpose.
I think that the major problem with online harassment is that there is no laws that have been put into place by people who understand what the internet is, and that there is a difference in online or real life communications when it is not targeted at a specific individual but instead a generalized group or ideal. Furthermore the laws in place against in-person harassment seem a bit out of place in some online environments (this is not referring to threats, which is a different matter entirely). I should point out what I referring is not specific online harassment, but general-or anonymous-harassment. If a person is harassing a specific individual, that is harassment whether it took place online or in real life. The reason I think that there is a difference between these two is purely because at some point in a anonymous conversation you should just log off.
Now of course this sounds defeatist in nature, but is it? When referring to a program like Yik Yak, you’re anonymous. The person harassing you doesn’t know anything about you that you or someone who knows you and is in this conversation hasn’t told him, and really, sometimes standing your ground encourages this behavior more than it does stop it. Should harassment be tolerated in a civilized culture? No. But it exists in ours still and we are sadly not going to be able to stop everyone for harassment no matter how hard we try. Now I’m not saying there isn’t laws and ways that we can make the internet safer. But there is something to be said about the internet not being censored, and our rights to free speech. On top of this if someone believes that your skin color/gender indicates how intelligent or how evolved you are as a human being-which all science says is not true-than should you waste your time anonymously talking to that person online? Again, anonymity allows people to say what they truly think and that isn’t always good, but censoring of ideas is even worse, especially in an academic environment.
I do not believe this anonymous social app should be taken down, but I do think it should be restricted. This social media app like many others was created to allow our voices to be heard. We do have a right to freedom of speech, and people need to get over that fact that not everyone is going to agree with your opinions. People are going to disagree with you and say harsh things no matter where you go, whether it be on or off the internet. Intolerance for each other is becoming a huge problem, but it shouldn’t cause a ban of a social platform. I think it is important to have anonymous social media platforms like this one for people to ask questions that they might find embarrassing. I also think it is very important for people to be able to voice their opinions without them being judged by society. I’m not sure about Yik Yak, but I know most sites allow you to block or report users that are causing issues. I believe that safety, especially among minors, is the main issue with any social media app. Cyber bullying is a major problem and is becoming extremely dangerous as technologies are advancing which is why I think this social app should be restricted. The internet can be a very unsafe place especially for minors using this app being that it connects you to strangers within a short radius within your area. Not only do we have to be aware of anonymous bullies on social platforms like this one, but there are also criminals that try to use the internet to their advantage. Many youngsters don’t understand the dangers of putting their information out on the internet which is why I think it is extremely important that minors should not be permitted to use such online sites.
As we discussed in class, one can simply not read a cyber bully’s post or just turn of the computer if they are hurt or offended by a post, I believe that sites like Yik Yak should remain open to protect freedom of speech rights. On a message board that I post on, there are moderators that would censor posts that use inappropriate language or attack another person, perhaps that would be a way to go on sites like Yik Yak. But, I suppose that would not be freedom of speech. I guess that I am glad that I do not have to make those decisions….
I think Yik Yak should remain on college and high school campuses. I think taking it away is a direct violation of freedom of speech. Whatever happened to the old saying “sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me”? This was drilled into my head as well as everyone I knew when I was a younger child so things like this would never affect us the way it appears to be. It’s almost as if we are completely forgetting that words are simply that and nothing more. Words. You can arrange them in just about any sort of fashion on facebook, instagram, and other social media websites, but when it comes to anonymous websites there all of a sudden becomes restrictions? If anything I think it should be the other way around. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen someone post something on facebook and automatically think less of them in some way, whether it be a 20 year old that is almost illiterate, or a 15 year old posting about beating up her boyfriends ex-lover. If anything, I’d rather these posts be anonymous so that I wouldn’t judge people as bad over the internet. I know this is somewhat my problem as well for thinking the way I do about what people say online, but when it comes down to it its probably not just me that thinks this way. I know for a fact employers look at facebooks nowadays and other online profiles of people, and I think it would almost be better if negative things that could get you in trouble with your employer were completely anonymous. The fact that Yik Yak took it out of highschool campuses is understandable due to trying to protect their brand, and I would do the same thing simply because it would probably be good business, but I can guarantee they only did this because of the backlash that in my opinion is completely ridiculous.
I agree, people that do the right think should not be penalized. This anonymous websites open doors for people that are timid about expressing their true feelings; however, I can relate to it because I’m shy. Even though this is an anonymous site, we can select our words to be assertive with our message and not rude. I believe that this can be difficult for some people, those that can think before they speak, they can hold back ether when they type.
I think the first step in any type of social media involvement is to understand where you stand in the mix. Anonymous or not? Those individuals who sign up should thoroughly take the necessary precautions in order to prevent situations to occur. No one is forced to involve themselves in a situation they feel is getting to provocative or unnecessary, simply not signing up or deleting the media site is a realistic option. Although, today’s generation has been raised with the internet, those who are smart about what they sign up for is allowing for other sites to take a firmer stand on bullying, cyber harassment etc. As for the social media site Yik Yack I believe that they have their own right as a company to not restrict their geographic locations on college campuses. Just as a person has their own right to free speech, a company should not have theirs compromised as well. Personally, I can relate to spending time on the app Yik Yack, and I find it to be as any other social media site. Just as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter allow you to come and go as you please, Yik Yack is not a commitment. Moreover, the site is anonymous which is fairly different than other social media sites. However, college students who feel the site is effecting their self-esteem or causing issues can delete the app and be completely erased from the system. Today, I believe Americans feel that the problem is others, but I think the real issue is your own self. People have the means of disconnecting themselves from situations they feel is not right. Therefore, containing the rights of individuals such as Yik Yack in order to please others I feel is not the proper way to deal with the situation.
I don’t think anonymous social networks like Yik Yak should be restricted. I think they should stay available to protect the right to freedom of speech. This app is simply made for people to share whatever is on their mind anonymously. I’m completely against the app being restricted just because people use it the wrong way or because some people post nasty comments in there. When I first read the article, the first thing that I thought about is when the government wanted to take away guns from the people. Everyone knows that guns kill people, and some people might use it wrong, but they are also used to protect and serve people in a lot of good and useful ways. Should we ban guns just because some sick people used them wrong? I don’t think so. I think if you have an app like that on your phone and you’re enjoying it and also enjoying your freedom of speech then good for you. On the other hand, if you have an app like that and you’re so offended by the comments or whatever people post there, you should just simply delete the app. Moreover, you can simply ask Yik Yak to develop a system where harassment words are not allowed in any comment or post or maybe ask them to hire people that monitor what people are posting or commenting. No one can deny that cyber bullying has been around for ages, and please don’t blame the internet, instead blame the people who use it wrong. If you are a parent that is afraid that your kids might share their personal information and get harassed by anyone, then it’s your responsibility to monitor what they are doing online and protect them. Moreover, I think it’s also your responsibility to call for a law to limit the age for whoever wants to download and use an app like that.
Freedom of speach is definatly something that should be valued. We all have the right to speak freely and share our opinions as we value them. This anonymous site is dangerous yet exciting for someone who would use it for the right purpose. Unfortunately I think the danger outwieghs the good. This is a forum that can be used for sex crimes, online abuse, and can exhibit online bullying. If there is to be a forum that is “Anonymous”, the owners should be the only ones who can see who is using it, and law enforcement. I think that the site can be used for a good purpose if it is monitered correctly. If it can not be watched in a protected way, It must not succeed if to much abuse is occuring.
I do not believe that social networks that Yik Yak should be band from college campuses, but I do believe that Yik Yak should banned people who use the website in a harmful way. People have the right to speak their mind and because the app is anonymous, a lot more people have the courage to speak more freely and express themselves. I think Yik Yak should block users who harass an bully others on the website because it could hurt other people’s feelings. These apps are to allow people to see what is going on around their college campus but in no way should these apps be used for bullying. People should not take advantage of free speech by bashing others anonymously just to make themselves feel better. I think Yik Yak is anonymous so people who don’t want others to judge them will have a chance to express themselves.
I do believe that the use of these anonymous apps could be potentially harmful in verbal ways with various slander and objectiveness but I also think that if one has subjected themselves to the app that they should be ready to endure anything that comes with it. With anything put in the public eye or hands there could be negative or positive consequences and it is up to the user to decide what they want to get out of it.
i believe that these anonymous apps should be available because of our freedom of speech. although there can be instances of verbal abuse on them. when is someone going to be on an anonymous app and take things seriously. most of the things posted on yik yak for example are just random things. some might take racial things to heart. the anonymous apps are what makes it fun because people don’t know who is posting it and people can express themselves better that way. these anonymous apps in my opinion create more good than harm and should not have an affect on the majority of people.
I come from a generation when you had to confront situations and people in person. If you had a different opinion than others, you expressed it and most of the time if done properly respected. Then you would have an intellectual conversation to support your beliefs. When my teenage daughter started highchool “MySpace” was very popular, and I had no idea what it was. I opened an account and was a guard dog on my daughter’s page. Her friends knew that I watched. Some of the things I saw posted by these children were horrible. Once confronted by me in school the next day they sang an entirely different tune or apologized. I feel that these anonymous sites are even more dangerous. They give people a sense of power and safety that they can say whatever they want, and it is okay. I am all for freedom of speech, but when it times to bullying and hurting people, you are then causing harm. To many times I have heard of young adults attempting or actually successfully killing themselves because of bullying. The Internet is a dangerous place, and so many people don’t understand that you may think you are being anonymous that, in fact, you are not and how easy you can be discovered.
I believe anonymous apps and social media should be allowed and available to the people who want it. When you agree to the terms of use when you download or create an account you agree and are aware of the fact that not everyone is going to be responsible or nice. On anonymous social media you should take things to heart anyways because people abuse the fact that there are no repercussions for what they say on it.
Despite my young age, I myself am not a user of Social Media. I find it too transparent for my taste. I think the video game GTA 5 had the best metaphor for Facebook, where it was parodied as “Life Invader.”
Now do I believe that people should be using Yik-Yak to bully others? No. Does a small vocal minority abusing and bullying others mean that anonymous social media should be banned? NO!
As internet users I believe we have to right to anonymity and the right to use a social network. YouTube isn’t restricted on campus’ and it’s largely anonymous and full of trolls and idiot commenters making “verbally abusive comments.” Should we ban YouTube then? What about any news site that allows anonymous comments? Many people leave hurt for or negative comments on there as well. Should they be banned?
What I am saying is with anonymity, there is downsides however, I feel the upsides make it worth. Many people out there are afraid to express their good opinion because of ridicule, because they are afraid of being different or because they simply want privacy. Anonymity provides an outlet for them to express their views and opinions.
No matter Anonymity will always have bad apples but if you want them to go away, stop giving them the spotlight.
PHI1600 Prof. Vaughan
PHI1600
I do not feel it should be allowed because it has been misused already. The mission was simple and pure. However, if it has been proven it can be misused then who is to say it will not happen again. Harm is already done.
PHI 1600 (645)
I believe websites such as Yik Yak should be kept open. Freedom of speech is not meant for one certain thing, or this certain day. Freedom of speech is for everyone, everywhere, at any time. This also punishes certain individuals who go on these websites for a purpose. Certain individuals, I am sure, have been able to learn something from such sites as Yik Yak. Without having to be seen, students are able to go on this website and put how they truly feel and see if others agree with them in response. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and not everyone is going to agree with everyone else. Obviously. But this is how the world goes around. Maybe there could be a change in how responses are allowed. There should be a certain number of individuals who can be trusted with the opportunity to read the responses first in order for them to be published. This would limit individuals who wanted to go on there just for their sick pleasure of trying to put someone else down or being harsh. I still believe that websites like this one should be available, but they need to be monitored as to what goes up. This would then have rules just like Facebook, and unable to write harsh messages.
644
I agree with you that there is nothing more satisfying than to be able to speak with someone face to face. You can read and post all you want on blogs and other places on line but it does not give the same satisfaction when it is someone you know, someone whose opinions you actually care about. Now on whether these type of anonymous places should be available to students at school or college I think that restricting people’s freedom is not the answer. These websites could have filters or something that could place certain limits maybe depending on the age of the person or have a system that monitors what is being posted and can remove negative comments, or even banning offensive people. The bottom line is that students need to learn that freedom of speech is not the same as saying the first nasty thing that comes to your mind. What is the point of talking with anyone if you can’t have an intelligent and meaningful exchange of ideas, you will not learn anything new and you definitely are not teaching anything of value so it becomes a complete waste of time. #995
PHI1600 995
1810^
I believe that these anonymous social networks should be kept open in college-areas, but perhaps restricted in high-schools. Students attending college are expected to be mature enough to know the difference between right and wrong, and what should or should not be said on social media. What they say and the consequences thereof should be solely their responsibility. Perhaps instead of completely banning it, their can be a option to flag a post as possible cyber-bullying material, and can be removed by an administrator aligned with the app after reviewing the flagged post. It is important to protect a person’s right to free speech, and whether these apps exist or not, people will find ways around it to make their opinions heard. While what they say may or may not be agreed upon, they have every right (within certain moral limits) to speak their mind. Although apps like Yik Yak can be used to facilitate online harassment, it isn’t always that way: just like every social media site in existence, anonymous or not. #996
Should anonymous social networks like Yik Yak be restricted from geographic areas around college campuses because of the potential for harm, or should they remain available in order to protect the right to freedom of speech?
The founders of Yik Yak had good intentions, but seeing what the app is capable of, I think that maybe it should just be completely taken down. A student doesn’t have to be on campus or have Internet to post something crude on Yik Yak so restricting it may not do much; not to mention that majority of the posts are not actually harmful. But it’s been proven that negativity can result from such a simple app so some more precautions should be taken. I don’t really think blocking such apps would be going against freedom of speech considering there are so many other options for expressing oneself, such as friends, writing, online forums, clubs, twitter, and more. Yik Yak was created to “level the playing field” so that one’s message could be read by all who own the app; though not everyone has the same opinions or nice things to say. That’s why apps like twitter may be better, and Yik Yak may be unnecessary; one doesn’t have to reveal his/her identity on twitter and all their followers should be people with similar interests. The biggest problem to me is that everyone is clumped together where one post can be seen by hundreds. Having such a big audience is too much power and responsibility for some to handle properly.
#996
With social media like Facebook, Twitter, Yik Yak, are a huge part of so many people lives ranging from12-45. I’m a firm believer in our first amendment right of freedom of speech, but when it’s used in the right context. I also believe that there should be more monitoring on what’s being posted by users. If someone posts something that would cause someone harm, the user should be blocked and explained why they were blocked, and how long they are blocked for. (644)
Despite my young age, I myself am not a user of Social Media. I find it too transparent for my taste. I think the video game GTA 5 had the best metaphor for Facebook, where it was parodied as “Life Invader.”
Now do I believe that people should be using Yik-Yak to bully others? No. Does a small vocal minority abusing and bullying others mean that anonymous social media should be banned? NO!
As internet users I believe we have to right to anonymity and the right to use a social network. YouTube isn’t restricted on campus’ and it’s largely anonymous and full of trolls and idiot commenters making “verbally abusive comments.” Should we ban YouTube then? What about any news site that allows anonymous comments? Many people leave hurt for or negative comments on there as well. Should they be banned?
What I am saying is with anonymity, there is downsides however, I feel the upsides make it worth. Many people out there are afraid to express their good opinion because of ridicule, because they are afraid of being different or because they simply want privacy. Anonymity provides an outlet for them to express their views and opinions.
No matter Anonymity will always have bad apples but if you want them to go away, stop giving them the spotlight.
PHI 1600 #995
Being apart of the percentage that actually downloaded this app when I heard about it. I can honestly say it was taken off my phone within a couple of hours. You may be wondering why? Because as soon as I opened the Yik Yak app, all I seen was foul language, people bashing other people, and other horrible things. Although this is just one of the apps people can get a hold and use foul language and bully people by, I don’t think restricting it from geographic areas around college campuses would solve any problems. I agree that everyone should have the right to freedom of speech, but in today, people take it to far and use and abuse it. Yes, the Yik Yak is anonymous (so they say) and there should be people monitoring the app making sure they can block the people that are causing the problems. 995
Using an app to potentially cause others harm is just not ethical or moral. Why would you want to hurt someone’s feeling anonymous or worse, cause them to commit suicide? I’ve never actually used or downloaded this app, but had friends download it and ended up immediately deleting it because it wasn’t “funny” at all. Apps that are anonymous need to be deleted or banned from the social world. Too many individuals have committed suicide from cyber bullying. Cyberbullying is real and happens more then we can think all over social media. I have a few social media sites but limited to 3, i use these occasionally for family and friends and to check out what’s happening lately. I don’t think Yik Yak had bad intentions when releasing this app. You can never really control what happens when something is posted on the internet, it can never really be removed and word spreads fast.
645
In the ever progressing age of social media, we find ourselves among the common dilemma of cyberbullying. Yik-Yak, however, is unique in the sense that it allows it’s users to post with anonymity which in a large number of cases has been used as intended.
As expected, however, there are people who use the anonymous social media network to bully others. I don’t believe that the anonymity provided by these networks are the sole cause of the cyberbullying. Look at social media sites like facebook, where people have created fake profiles with the intent to bully others.
I think that the main difference between Yik-Yak and other social media networks is that when people create fake accounts to achieve anonymity on other site, they have the intent to bully others. Yik-yak doesn’t have the sole purpose or intent to abuse anonymity, it’s the exceptions to the rules who abuse this privilege. 996
I believe it should not be restricted. Everyone has the right to use whatever app they want. The misuse will happen anywhere, not just in college or high school. I think there should be admins on the app monitoring what people say. Just like regular forums, there are individuals whose job it is to keep the order and make sure the forum runs smoothly and efficiently. An admin’s job would be to solely monitor all of the posts and ensure there was no harassing or bullying occurring. If there was, they would be able to remove such posts and ban any individuals participating in the harassing behavior.
I feel that Yik Yak should remain open for students to express themselves freely on debatable topics, not to mention, the fact that it would clearly violate and individuals right to freedom of speech per the Declaration of Independence. However, one cannot not ignore the issue of cyber-bullying and/or online sexual harassment threats being made to individuals because this clearly violates everyone’s basic human rights. Furthermore, to provide a safe community where students can freely express themselves academically, more security features should be added to the forum. For example, faculty and/or campus security should be required to monitor the forums consistently as administrators. Furthermore, every social network provides a list of privacy clauses for its users, however, more thought should be taken by the individual when reviewing these clauses. Unfortunately, most of us just click the box accepting the terms and never logically think about why these clauses are set in place for users.
section #: 644
In my opinion, based on the information given on this Yik Yak story with no further research about it on my part. My opinion is as follows; essentially, this is the internet which means its open to the public. Hence, everyone can use it as their own place to pontificate on any given platform. Beginning with the radio; we used it to listen to for programming this moved to the television broadcasting networks and now public internet. Bottom-line, individuals have the option to tune-out if you don’t like what you hear, read, or see (keep word is options/choices). It’s just that simple! Instead, it seems society is too sensitive to the way people communicate. Sometimes and maybe a lot of the time in life a person just needs to say, “So what!”
In my opinion, I don’t believe the necessity of restricting and governing public thoughts and/or freedom to speech. It seems more like we’re making mountains out of mole hills and that appears to be more and more prevalent in today’s society. I find this quite irritating, annoying, and obnoxious to say the least. Let’s move on folks as we have much bigger fish to fry. 995
Apps don’t bully students; bullies bully & harass other students. But why are phones not restricted more in education environments? Why are students able to sit and access this app during school hours? I understand cyber bullying is very real, very scary and has very real consequences; but so is and does the real world. No matter whether or not this app stays or goes, no decision will ever please everybody…on any topic. In my opinion, the app is not Yik Yak the problem because bullying has and will continue to occur throughout the school systems everywhere. Banning an app will not stop the constant abuse some kids face. I believe instead the schools need to look at increasing punishments and enforcing expulsions for habitual known and proven bully offenders before someone gets hurt or hurts others. I rarely read stories where the bully is removed from the school. Why is that?
Section #996
As the comedian Stephen Fry said about being offended, “It’s now very common to hear people say, ‘I’m rather offended by that.’ As if that gives them certain rights. It’s actually nothing more… than a whine. ‘I find that offensive.’ It has no meaning; it has no purpose; it has no reason to be respected as a phrase. ‘I am offended by that.’ Well, so…what.”
I feel that like anything that is unadulterated, free speech should only be blocked for the young minded that don’t have the worldly knowledge to filter what is truly important to them and society, and the resolve to ignore that which is foolishness. It is no one else’s responsibility to pick and choose what is deemed ‘acceptable’. The only moral obligation you have is to try and spread open-mindedness, acceptance, tolerance with those same ideals. If people are posting racist or sexist rhetoric, they should be allowed to. They aren’t bad people for believe those things. That is what their experience in life has led them to believe. If you meet hatred with bigotry, ignorance with disapproval, the problem only solidifies. Telling someone they aren’t allowed to say those things because it offensive doesn’t fix the problem, it actually empowers the hate. That is why it is not anyone’s moral obligation to stop those who are being offensive from expressing their world view. It is, i believe, imperative that instead of being offended by hate speech, that we try to objectively understand why that person is saying what they are saying, and then, if it is an obvious detriment to society that needs rectification, try to teach that person why their ideals are unsustainable and are a detriment of themselves and the world. If you don’t want that burden, then remove yourself from that forum, and ignore the problem, because it isn’t worth your time. You can not however, complain about something and do nothing to rectify the situation, because that is offensive.995
Personally, I do not see the benefit for an anonymous, social-media app like Yik Yak to exist anywhere and for that reason I feel that college campuses should be geographically restricted from the app’s user base. An anonymous platform for speech allows people who have opinions and comments that are degrading and discriminatory to have a voice without fear of peer backlash. Some may make the case that the app has the potential to be socially progressive and be used as a platform to promote positive social messages, but the truth is, people rarely seek anonymity for preaching kindness. An anonymous app is geared toward users who want to make judgmental comments without having to be accountable for them later. For me, it is a step backwards in our social evolution. If a person wants to make comments based on hate, discrimination and degradation, then they should do so without hiding behind the cowardly veil of anonymity. Our First Amendment right to freedom of speech does not need to be protected here because it is not at risk. The issue is not the harmful messages themselves but rather the anonymity that creates a “safe” platform for those messages to breed and gain momentum. #996
People who remain anonymous could potentially show a lack of character when they should own up to their words or actions when posting on a social site. I believe a lack of accountability is a fault that carries out in a domino effect. Words can be used as weapons. so just like having a gun, you must be registered. Being anonymous encourages negative behavior that otherwise would restrain a person. If a person who does something outstanding that should be recognized for their potential, as well as someone who creates a toxic exchange while being insensitive with threatening, insulting or a defamatory behavior should sited. I believe our society has lost a sense of ramifications or repercussions when a wrong action has been done and hiding under anonymity would only encourage such behavior.
While I understand that the supporters of anonymous social media apps, such as Yik Yak, view them as an opportunity “for students to make controversial observations and to engage in controversial discussions,” anonymity can be dangerous. This freedom to speak your mind without the fear of repercussions can easily bring out the worst in people. When a person does not feel they need to hold themselves to the standards they would when speaking in person with others it makes them feel invincible. People in society tend to create social standards for what is and is not acceptable based on the reactions of others. You do not want to be perceived as someone who would willingly hurt others. But when you are anonymous and behind a computer screen the reactions of others are muted. Even if you are met with anger or disgust from others, which people naturally choose to avoid face to face, it’s different online because you almost don’t think about the fact that it is another human being with feelings on the other side of all the wires and screens. 645
I think mysterious informal communities like Twitter ought to be limited. A mysterious informal organization can make it less demanding for destructive and unfavorable discourse toward others. We have officially enough harassers on other informal communities that distinguish who they truly are. I don’t think the utilization of an unknown informal organizations like Twitter ought to be use in secondary school grounds. Discussing secondary school understudies, we are discussing minors who are under our consideration and bearing. It is intended to point of confinement diversions. We all like to have our right to speak freely, however that does not mean we have flexibility to hurt others. 645
College is all about discovering who you are and Yik Yak claims it can providing a place for students to make controversial observations and to engage in controversial discussions. From what the article expresses is that students are using it to release sexual and violent frustrations which is not stimulating in the least therefore not college and should either monitor the ill trends or take it off the campus because the secret ugly truth is college has a very rep with sexual harassment and rape . The only right thing they did was take it out of high school because some colleges are huge so being anonymous with horrible idea is very easy, so you can get away with weak minded thinking and be forgotten in weeks but when you have very concentrated energy and a lot of weak minded people then that is a dangerous mixture.
(PHI 1600 #645)
If the importance and the value of freedom of speech were the reasons behind anonymous social networks, they would have never turned into a tool of harassing and bullying. I think that the real reasons behind such networks rise in the vicinity are lying in the poor minds of the creators of theses networks, who crave attention and would do anything to get it.
Anonymous social networks should remain available in order to protect the right to freedom of speech. Anyone should be able to say what they want. The networks however should have a way to keep the information of the user if a situation does occur and the police become involved. Social networks are options, not everyone has them, and not everyone posts on them. It should be as simple as, if you want the app, then you know what you are getting into. If a person does not like the app, they do not have to get it. As far as what is on the app, the app founders should have a system to lookout for inappropriate behavior or harm to others, and then it would be taken down for violating the terms of use.
1810
This is a very interesting controversy that I have never considered before reading this post. While I am all for supporting the First Amendment, the Freedom of Speech Civil Right, I do strongly believe that High School and College Campuses should restrict the use of anonymous social networks. Especially when anonymous users are endangering their students and faculty. I can see the some benefit of such anonymous social networks for situations such as constructive criticism and positive feedback, or even in other cases where students are trying to make serious issues within the campuses more openly known, but it appears that more often than not, anonymous social networks are being passively abusive and destructive. If however campuses choose to not put restrictions on such networks, I would suggest a special office within the campus, open to help protect anyone who felt like they were being harassed or threatened. Reason being, if you continue to allow the cowards abusing anonymous social networks, you should make it in your best efforts to help protect anyone suffering from the consequences of the anonymous abuse of such social networks that are endangering people’s lives not only physically, but also mentally.
Class#: 645
I use multiple different social media sites, to include the app Yik Yak. I’ve never seen anyone post any hateful or harmful messages but my perspective is only for a small area. I don’t think anonymous social media sites should be restricted to only college campuses. How would they be able to restrict that? In areas like Pinellas County there are colleges right down the street from high schools. Both schools would fall into the same radius. Things like Report Buttons would be useful on anonymous sites like this. That way if a post is offensive or inappropriate it can be taken down in a timely manner. PHI 1600 #645
I don’t necessarily think not allowing this app to be used in certain geographic areas will stop the problem. It will definitely reduce some of the risk, but the issue will continue no matter what. There are some people in society who have very strong opinions and feel the need to voice them or push them upon people. Some do it with negative intent, while others may just be simply speaking their mind. Here lies the problem, anonymity. The idea of you being able to say whatever you want and not be held accountable gives apps such as these growing popularity.
I believe that Yik Yak should not be allowed to be anonymous. I think it’s ridiculous that this app is not only treating people on there but also harassing them nonstop. If Yik Yak was not anonymous a lot of people wouldn’t say all the rude and evil things on the app.
Also I believe that Yik Yak shouldn’t not only not be allowed in college campuses it shouldn’t be allowed if its anonyms. The reason being is because college students can speak to people they truly do not know because it is anonyms. In other apps people have their name or location. Yik Yak is nothing like that only freedom of speech which is why I don’t think it’s smart for it to be on college campuses. If Yik Yak was not anonymous I believe it should be allowed on college campuses but until that time I don’t think it’s a smart for young adult’s safety.
644
Personally, I think anonymous social networks should remain open. If these networks are used for their intended purpose, then students can connect with other students at their college and just enjoy a good laugh reading what other people post. Unfortunately, people are abusing the networks and causing harm to other people. While the simple solution would be to shut the networks down, that would infract upon the right of free speech and expression. Instead users should be able to block and report people who are misusing the networks. I don’t use apps such as Yik Yak, so I don’t know if this is already a feature and just isn’t working. But, I feel that is the best option because it gets rid of misusers and allows those who are using the networks correctly to keep their freedom of speech and expression.
SECTION 996
I completely support freedom of speech. The problem that I see with these anonymous websites is that the freedom of speech is taken to a whole other level. There are way too many people that get a superman complex and feel that they can say what ever they want and to whom ever they want and not expect to have any consequences. That is a problem. These anonymous websites should be monitored for bullies and sexual predators. If they are being monitored, is it enough? It’s bad enough that we have individuals that bully on Facebook and Twitter without the anonymity, I can’t even imagine what is going on in Yik Yak. As parents, we need to be sure we are diligently monitoring everything our children are doing. #995
I can see why some may want the app banned in certain areas surrounding schools… Kind of like banning smoking within a certain amount of feet from a school- same concept, as I see it. I also understand why a lot of people are against banning it because they don’t want to impede on freedom of speech.
I personally don’t think it should be banned. I cherish my right to freedom of speech and I wouldn’t want anyone to take it from me. However, I don’t think the app should be completely anonymous either. It should be required that you enter your credentials in order to post on the app, but able to check a box for it to appear as anonymous. That way if anything happened, they’d somehow be able to track the users by the information they’ve entered.
Also, for those under the age of 18, maybe require some sort of parental consent in order to download and use the app. I’m sure there are other ways to make the app safer but these are the ideas right off the top of my head that are simple to implement.
[645]
If the importance and the value of freedom of speech were the reasons behind anonymous social networks, they would have never turned into a tool of harassing and bullying. I think that the real reasons behind such networks rise in the vicinity are lying in the poor minds of the creators of theses networks, who crave attention and would do anything to get it. # 645
I kinda think that they should remain open. I agree with freedom of speech but sometimes it gets into harmfully words and they become bullies. I do think that they could remain open for college students but high school students do not need to use that website. They are more likely going to get bullied or say the harmful words to someone. So if someone in high school wants to use the website, I think parents need to approve it and keep an eye on the website. So I believe some people should be able to use that website and express their freedom of speech but not everyone. People should be able to express their freedom of speech but since the app is anonymous no one knows who is really saying those things , so if you are in high school, you could take those words to heart.
995
I think that apps like yik yak should not be allowed around colleges because cyber bullying is a very big issue in today’s society. The app could result in cyber bullying taking place and in extreme cases, the victim will commit suicide. Cyber bullying results in deep emotion and sometimes self-inflicted. Not allowing yik yak and similar apps around colleges is a preventative method to stop cyber bullying and keep campuses safe for all. #996
Unfortunately, all social media networks have users who speak their minds freely and not always in an appropriate positive way. Just because a social network is titled “anonymous”, it doesn’t prevent belligerent users and/or comments.
So by downloading Yik Yak or any other anonymous social network, you already know that there are always going to be those cyber bullies, harassment, and hate speech. If we stop downloading and supporting these anonymous social networks, hopefully they will stop being made. People argue that these social networks give people the opportunity to “express their feelings” or “come out of their shell”, but coming from a 20 year-old college student who has been exposed to social media technology at a young age, I have seen Yik Yak and it is just flat out awful and disgusting. Write a song to express your feelings, go out into the real world to come out of your shell and communicate in real life. With that being said, I think the Yik Yak social network should be taken down. Even if it would be restricted from geographic areas around college campuses, people would still find a way to abuse it. So to stay away from the hostile cyber world, don’t download Yik Yak or any other app that could cause you or others harm.
#995
Considering that the purpose as to why Yik Yak was created I believe in the right to freedom of speech and the freedom to be creative and innovative in defense for the creators of the app. However, the negative connotation that derives as a result of the app’s launch is unfortunately expected. The right to remain anonymous of speaking one’s mind is often abused and creates conflict, although the idea or intention of its services more than likely do not condone this behavior. So on a college campus or not people are going to speak their minds corresponding to one another positive or negatively especially because the app secludes the authors identity.
Considering that the purpose as to why Yik Yak was created I believe in the right to freedom of speech and the freedom to be creative and innovative in defense for the creators of the app. However, the negative connotation that derives as a result of the app’s launch is unfortunately expected. The right to remain anonymous of speaking one’s mind is often abused and creates conflict, although the idea or intention of its services more than likely do not condone this behavior. So on a college campus or not people are going to speak their minds corresponding to one another positive or negatively especially because the app secludes the authors identity.
#995
I am very against the use of anonymous social media. It breeds negative commentary that is not necessary. While it is true that everyone has the freedom to speak their mind, it just doesn’t make sense to create a situation where someone could be hurt emotionally. While cyberbullying will not stop because someone is not anonymous or not, it most definitely will make people accountable for their words. When someone’s name is attached to hate comments, there is a lot less likely of a chance that they will make the comment in the first place. Apps like Yik Yak are great when they are used appropriately, but most of the time they are not.
Section 996
While I do see that Yik Yak could be used in a harmful way towards others in places like school – I think that it should still be allowed purely due to our rights guaranteed in our first amendments. The thing is, you can use anything to harm anyone, and the only thing you’re going to do by banning something from the public is create rage and discontent. I think one of the best ideologies of America is that everyone – even your worst enemy – has the right to say what they want, without any capital punishment. If you want to keep your rights, you have to stand by them through the good and the bad, because if you let someone limit them in one area, odds are they’re going to be limited in many areas.
ON A SIDE NOTE, apps come and go, and banning this one would just give room for others to squeeze in. This is the same ideology with sites that provide illegal movies. With every website that is shut down by government officials, five more are made. The people will always strive to get what they want.
I disagree to the extent that, just because people feel free to speak their mind without recourse does not mean they are lacking intellectual thought process. Why or how would that foster unintelligent responses? Are people actually accessing the anonymous blog because they will have no accountability, or is it because they will have no recourse?
I don’t have an opinion yet regarding the access or banning of anonymous blogging sites on school grounds. I would need to see more factual information regarding the potential or current danger resulting from the anonymous blogs. I do not however think that this is an issue of freedom of speech. Our constitution secure your freedom of speech, but not anonymity. There are definitely pros and cons to allowing this in any institution. For example, in the workplace this could allow employees to express their concerns without the fear of negative recourse. On the other hand, it could allow for malicious slander with no grounds for liability. The idea that people could speak freely without any accountability could never be limited and therefore the emotional intelligence of users would be a greater concern than the academic intelligence. In that regard, I feel certain that this would be an inappropriate tool for high school students.
After reading the article whether or not should Yik Yak be band from campuses I totally disagree on banding it and it being harmful. I feel people who is on any type of social media knows the harm it can bring coming across in contact with a stranger. If you sign up for something I believe you should know the consequences with any social app or site. I also feel the app is convenient just like any other social app teens use, I wouldn’t knock this app because high school/college students use it because I’m pretty sure they have contact with other social media accounts that can be just as harmful. Over all I think the Yik app should stay without being banded from the campus.
PHI 1600 #644