Yik Yak: The Problem With Anonymity | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Yik Yak: The Problem With Anonymity

9
Yik Yak: The Problem With Anonymity

Let me begin by emphasizing that I am a proponent of freedom of speech. No matter how much I disagree with someone else’s words, I respect their rights to say them. Even the act of arguing about beliefs can bring us to a greater understanding of our own viewpoints. It is good to disagree. It is good to allow our own analyses to evolve during the process of discussing them with someone else. It is not good to say whatever comes to your mind no matter how rude or insensitive it is. I think most people would agree with me, because most people don’t behave that way. That is, they don’t when they are held accountable for their words.

Apps such as Yik Yak provide a forum for users to post their thoughts anonymously. As a general rule, I have never had a real problem with Yik Yak. Sometimes, the lack of social pressure can lead to a yak that has just the right amount of truth to it. Often, it can produce a yak that is simply hilarious. Other times, it is simply a forum for undue hate. These people can say these hateful things without a second thought, because no one will know who it was. The person can do damage to another person without the threat of any backlash beyond a poor yakarma score (which, by the way, has virtually no significance whatsoever). In the past this has rarely been the case, but with the advent of the Internet and apps like Yik Yak, society has an outlet for every mean, hurtful, destructive thought.

One of the first things you learn in Sociology is that for society to function, sanctions are necessary. Sanctions are a way to check one another’s behavior. For example, if someone says something outwardly racist, others will react in a way that teaches that person their behavior is wrong. While they have the right to say it, if they want to get along with others they shouldn’t say it. Even further, if they want to be a good person they shouldn’t think it. So the problem with Yik Yak is that while you could call a down vote a sanction, it rarely stops people from saying a racist or sexist comment. The sanction is not severe enough to discourage the behavior.

The more people are exposed to these disgusting prejudgments, the more likely they are to voice or even form their own prejudgments. It becomes a vicious cycle, and all the while no one has to own up to what they did. No one is accountable to their words, to the damage they have caused. Most of the yaks are not this severe. Most are funny, or boring, or dumb, but some are damaging. Technology has brought about many amazing and wonderful advancements, but I think if we really think about it, a world where people behave as if no one is watching isn’t really progress.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

178256
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

5426
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

451297
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22654
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments