In a routine interview with a parent last week, we found out that a great student was being harassed in-class and potentially over social media due to a break-up in a group project. We talked to the parent to see if we could get some evidence of the social media piece. She couldn't for a couple of valid reasons but one was that the posts disappear over time and are entirely anonymous. She mentioned a newish social media app entitled Yik Yak, so I looked into it. The point of the App is to have a direct feed of all the people on Yik Yak who are in a 1.5 mile radius around you and as the advertisements say, there are, "No profiles, no passwords, it's all anonymous." So far, what I've discovered is that it's the perfect way to find a local party, say nasty things about people and post random rude, racist and homophobic comments with no consequences. In fact, it's reduced my faith in humanity and my town.
Interestingly enough Huffington Post posted an article on Yik Yak recently. Two points stood out for me. One of the creators, Tyler Droll, didn't think that "high schoolers were mature enough to use it". Obviously they hadn't thought that through. Due to trickle down effect it's being used by High School and Elementary students. . Secondly, the article states that, "the app's privacy policy prevents schools from identifying users without a subpoena, court order or search warrant, or an emergency request from a law-enforcement official with a compelling claim of imminent harm." There is very little anyone can do to make the people who use this app responsible for there actions. As far as I'm concerned Tyler Droll, and fellow creator, Brooks Buffington, have created the perfect bullying app. Where is the sense of responsibility in the creation and availability of this app? If they had any sense of responsibility they would go the way of Flappy Bird with it. On a final note, please be aware of this App in your schools and in your homes. It is emotionally and socially damaging.
1 Comment
4/21/2015 12:37:03 am
I had heard of this app but didn't realize what it really was until reading your post. It's a dangerous world, the cyber world. Makes me really scared and nervous for the future of my own daughters. How does a parent monitor all this? It's scary.
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Who Am I?I'm a Teacher Librarian and Grade 7 Language Teacher. Many thanks to these forums which inspire, educate and promote collaboration & communication!
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