Fizz: Out-of-Control Bullying or Collegiate Connection?

Yik Yak and Fizz: places for students to share funny memes and unfiltered opinions about campus life, or a cyberbullying and harassment hot zone on college campuses?

These two apps differ from most social platforms because they offer anonymity for students to “safely” navigate and post on the site without fear of detection from university administrators. But as many Oklahoma Christian students are aware, incidents have taken place on these apps that have generated fear and tension in the student body.

In the case of Fizz, their website directly speaks to the anonymity of the app. In response to the frequent question, “Can users see my identity?” Fizz says, “No. Unless you explicitly state your identity in the app, no other user (including moderators) can ever see your phone number or email address that you used to create your account.”

This anonymous posting app was created by Stanford students Ashton and Teddy Solomon, seemingly to “help students, who were learning remotely at the time, feel connected” according to “Stanford Social Media Platform ‘Fizz” Gaining Popularity.” However, this app can often generate more harm than good.

This app has led to an increase in cyberbullying on the website that has directly affected popular organizations on Oklahoma Christian’s campus. One notable example of a student organization taking a hit from anonymous posting sites is the popular debate chapel Taking Sides.

On Tuesdays, students step up in front of the entire school and discuss hot topics in the church to practice their debate skills. Over the years, this chapel has cultivated a devoted group of debaters and students who enjoy listening to the controversial debates. 

However, due to the increased prevalence of Fizz and other anonymous posting apps, students who were previously excited to debate have gained a new fear of being cyberbullied anonymously on Fizz. 

“Some of the members that produce that Taking Sides chapel are fearful of standing up publicly because of what they fear will be said about them on those platforms,” Dr. Brian Simmons, the faculty leader of Taking Sides chapel, said. 

Without the fear of being connected to cruel comments made on the app, it seems students are using this mask of anonymity to unnecessarily berate their fellow peers with cruel comments. 

“I know of at least one student who is no longer a part of our program because of some horrible things said on those platforms,” Simmons said.

With the cruelty taking place on these apps, it has been more difficult for students to comfortably debate before the student body, leading to decreased engagement in the previously popular event. 

According to Solomon, quoted in Rice’s article about the app, “Right when you strip away that name, you’re able to be your authentic self. You’re able to actually express yourself, and it removes the social anxiety that comes with everything.” 

However, with the subjects being posted on the Oklahoma Christian forums every day, varying from harmless memes about the cafeteria food for the day to extremely harmful sharing of personal information, bullying and harassment, is this the authentic Oklahoma Christian University? 

It should be mentioned the app does not generate cruel comments about fellow students: the students do. The dilemma is how the students use the shield of anonymity to attack their peers for various perceived indiscretions or wrongs. 

“It seems to me we depend upon the goodwill of the users to make the right choices,” Simmons said.

So if students stopped posting negative comments about other students, would the original creators be able to foster this community they created the app for? 

Additional Information: 

• If you are interested in listening to Taking Sides’ debates, they take place on Tuesdays in Judd, and we would love to introduce you to the discourse. However, please refrain from posting on Fizz, keep your comments to yourself or at least attach your name and face to them. 
• If you continue to engage in this largely harmful app, please remain kind and respectful to your fellow students. They are human beings loved by God just as much as you.