By Sullivan McGee\/\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hurtful comments and posts including leaked personal information have appeared on the social media platform Yik Yak recently at Hood College.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yik Yak is a social media app where people can make anonymous comments that show up for users within a five-mile radius. The app was just relaunched in 2021 after first launching in 2013.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chief of Campus Safety Thurmond Maynard sent an email to students on Nov. 18 about the recent abuse that was brought to his attention on Yik Yak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Students have been using the anonymity of the app to say hurtful things about others, sometimes even including the name of the person they\u2019re describing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBeing anonymous gives them the freedom to say whatever\u2019s on their minds without filtering their comments, Maynard said. \u201cIt\u2019s sad that people find joy in putting others down.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if needed, law enforcement can inquire into Yik Yak\u2019s records to see who posted what.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the anonymity of Yik Yak can lead to certain problems, other apps and websites have similar issues. Certain social media structures \u201ccreate some not-so-positive platforms where people can\u2019t really communicate,\u201d Maynard said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maynard encouraged all Hood students to have \u201cpositive and mature interactions,\u201d and to remember to be empathetic toward each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People can learn and grow from their interactions with others, but if they continuously choose to use unhealthy methods, \u201cyou\u2019re bound to be\u2026wheels in the mud, and not be able to move forward,\u201d Maynard said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maynard suggested several resources for students to use instead of airing grievances on Yik Yak. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Students are always able to bring up their problems with Hood\u2019s administration. Students can also contact Hood\u2019s counselor, John Slick, or Hood\u2019s Title IX Coordinator, Runako Allsopp, J.D. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, students can use the NeighborHood Counseling Training Center (NCTC) which is run by Hood\u2019s master’s program in counseling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NCTC offers both in-person and telehealth appointments. Interested students or community members can email NCTC@hood.edu or call 301-696-3129.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, Maynard addressed the coming finals. \u201cThese last couple weeks are gonna be difficult\u2026Take your time and use it wisely. Turn off Yik Yak and open up a book.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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