The Impact of Anonymity on Campus Culture

An anonymous social media app called Yik Yak became a platform for students at Colgate University to express their most bigoted and violent thoughts, often targeting minority students. This anonymity allowed users to project their prejudices without accountability, resulting in a disturbing online environment filled with hateful comments. While the app initially served as a means for students to share mundane college experiences, it quickly evolved into a space where racist sentiments flourished, leading to feelings of fear and isolation among targeted individuals. The app's presence highlighted significant tensions within the campus community, revealing underlying issues of racism that many students felt had been previously overlooked.