By Natalie Zur

Sentry Staff Reporter

Yik Yak is a new, anonymous social media app that has stampeded into the community. The way the app works is by using a phone’s coordinates to set up a “geo-fence;” a user is only able to post and see others’ posts within a 1.5 mile radius.  Users do not need to create an account or maintain a profile; all they have to do is open the app and they are then able to send out 200 character messages, or “yaks,” to everyone around them.

According to Yik Yak’s website, this app is a forum in which people can “get a live feed of what everyone is saying around [them].”

Yet, some would argue that it should instead read that it is a forum in which people can get a live feed of what everyone is saying “about” them.

There have been shocking reports of bullying and harassment across the country as a result of the anonymity factor.  Due to these repeated incidents, the creators of Yik Yak, two recent graduates from Furman University, enlisted the help of a company called Maponics to apply virtual geographic perimeters around almost every middle school and high school in the country.  This is intended to prevent younger students from abusing the technology and ensures a safe, distraction-free learning space while at school.  Subsequently, when one opens the app inside a high school, a message appears that says it is for adults only and the security settings prevent the use while in the area.

Nevertheless, most students have gotten around this geo-fencing by simply using the app during non-school hours.

Senior Lexi Peck is a fervent yaker; the best Yak she has seen is, “when I die, I hope my group members lower me into my grave so they can let me down one last time.”

“The app is pretty hilarious,” said sophomore Max Cedrone.  “I have seen some nasty stuff on it, but I think most of it is actually from Marymount students, not Yorktown.”

Luckily, our school has not weathered any issues specifically concerning Yik Yak.  However, there have been issues of cyberbullying which have prompted a new outlet for those experiencing abuse.  On our school’s website there is now a link which directs students to a “digital harassment report.” A student is able to disclose important information to school administrators online, eliminating possibly embarrassing or uncomfortable initial situations for the student involved.

The digital age that current high schoolers are growing up in is as much fascinating as it is unprecedented.  As such, students need to abide by a strong moral code and not abuse technology to the detriment of others.

“Be careful of what you say on Yik Yak and other types of anonymous social media,” warned Peck.  “Just because you cannot see another person’s reaction does not mean it is not directly hurting someone.”

Featured Image by Alex Brandolino