YikYak Needs To Go
ANDOVERVIEW Staff
YikYak, an online forum where nearby users can post and view comments anonymously, has resurfaced at AHS.
The app was launched in 2013 and relaunched in 2021 after being banned due to continuous cyberbullying and online harassment. On YikYak, people have the option to only interact with other users within a five–mile radius, which creates a more personalized and relevant experience for the user. The app has a feature for users to upvote or downvote posts they like or dislike. When a post gains enough upvotes, it makes it to the “hot”, or trending, page. YikYak contains age restricted material and has an age restriction of 17 and up.
Because of the app’s anonymity, AHS has been experiencing an influx of posts targeting specific students and faculty, as well as exposing their private information. Because of the five-mile radius “rule” the app has imposed, students at AHS have been arguing with students at the nearby Merrimack College. This has resulted in what we believe to be unnecessary drama. Additionally, some students are becoming increasingly anxious in fear of defamation. Principal Caitlin Brown sent an email addressing the problem on December 9, and it seems that the severity of the app’s drama has since died down. However, the problem continues. While certain AHS students have been suspended for inappropriate behavior on the app, anonymity has resulted in the continuation of such activities.
We believe the misuse of YikYak violates the school’s cyberbullying rule, and those involved should be held accountable. As a first step, we encourage students that currently have YikYak to delete the app. For students who have not previously downloaded the app, we suggest keeping your curiosity at bay.
