While communication mediums were limited during Jesus’ time on earth, he still chose to confront and comfort face-to-face.
He met the Samaritan woman at the well, regardless of societal norms. He spoke to the adulterous woman after her accusers wanted to stone her. He even held a quiet, nighttime conversation with Nicodemus.
“I mean, Jesus came to put on flesh and blood to be with us, because he cared so much about the human interaction,” Julia Hurlow, dean of campus life, said. “We were made to talk to each, not about each other.”
We were created to speak with one another face-to-face, and this is reflected in Jesus’ many interactions throughout his life. When communication becomes anonymous, there becomes a concern for negativity and harmful talk.
Yik Yak, an anonymous app for college students, lets users post, comment and message with their campus without an identifiable username.
A Taylor student and Yik Yak user, who chose to stay anonymous, said while the majority of comments don’t target individuals, stereotyping wings and dorms can easily turn into hurtful gossip.
Taylor’s rich dorm life is a seller for many prospective students and also factors into the university’s 95% freshman retention rate. Online stereotyping hinders this respectable aspect, generating judgment instead of joy for the unique traditions and people each campus community holds.
“I do think that (Yaks criticizing certain groups) can be harmful on a campus like this, where our culture is so serious,” the student said. “We take pride in that. So when that’s bashed, it can be hard for people.”
Hurlow said the app has always been disappointing to her, watching it ebb and flow at different universities throughout her career.
The app began in 2013 but shut down in 2017 due to issues with cyberbullying. Its comeback started in 2021, becoming more self-regulating with 5 downvotes, similar to the “dislike” button, leading to a post being deleted. Since its return, it has gained popularity among students.
“The fact that it’s used on educational environments is fascinating to me, because part of the liberal arts is to become critical thinkers and to think critically,” Hurlow said. “Part of that is to come up with solutions.”
Yik Yak is a space often characterized by complaints. Yet Philippians 2:14-15 says, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”
Some yaks not only criticize social groups, but also campus amenities, chapel speakers and classes. To actually make positive change in these areas, we must talk to people in leadership. Posting behind backs will not promote reform, but rather promote an echo chamber for complacency.
“I think that Yik Yak is a petri dish of things to grow,” Hurlow said. “I’ve never had someone come and say they felt encouraged by Yik Yak.”
Upvotes, similar to the “like” button, increase content visibility. Posts with many upvotes can spur instant judgment easily.
As believers, however, we hold discernment with the Holy Spirit that doesn’t have to be influenced by the algorithm.
If Yik Yak is going to be used, it can be used to be Christlike, rather than complaintive.
For example, when someone posts something expressing distress, directly message them, asking to meet with them for a walk or coffee. It might be awkward. That’s okay.
In addition, downvote and encourage friends to downvote content targeting an individual or group.
Hurlow recommended asking yourself a series of questions: What is motivating me to have the app and keep it? Is it spurring me on towards good? Would I want that said about myself? If I call out a chapel speaker, class or another person, will it change things for the better?
Psalm 139: 1-4 says, “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.”
Although Yik Yak users remain anonymous to fellow students, a Christian campus can never truly be anonymous. The Lord knows our every thought, and he has since before we came to be.
