Writer Annie Grant argues for frequently-overlooked student app Yik Yak.
Writer Annie Grant argues for frequently-overlooked student app Yik Yak.
Unfortunately, first-year students fit the stereotype of being new, oblivious and tense babies crawling around campus a bit too well. As an oblivious baby crawling around campus myself, I have to concur moving to college is an adjustment.
The whole process of adapting to brand new people, a shiny, unfamiliar city and seemingly endless present and future opportunities is exhilarating and terrifying all at once.
Sure, there are tours and orientations to pull from the back of our minds to help in times of desperation, but what could possibly aid us with the simultaneously tranquil yet ugly truths we need?
Fear not fellow first-years, for help is closer than it may seem — in fact, it’s one download away. Yik Yak is an app for students at the same school to voice their opinions, make inquiries or bring up relevant happenings around campus, all the while concealing their identity.
Although many students enjoy the app, others view it in a negative light. Yik Yak, along with other similar apps, are frowned upon for a myriad of reasons, but primarily because the users are anonymous.
I believe the beauty of Yik Yak is derived from its anonymity.
Students at any university can hide themselves from mortification and ask or say whatever their heart desires, no matter how juvenile or revealing of their first-year status. Some may poke fun at Yik Yak, but most who have the app know it’s common to laugh or find something compelling here and there.
For someone new to this environment — wouldn’t seeing some insanely out of pocket comments by fellow students ease anxiety about fitting in? For a transfer student — wouldn’t it be nice to hear people won’t judge you for walking or eating alone?
Yik Yak provides a sense of community for any student to be able to relate to amusing aspects of life at Loyola. For example, the annoyance caused by cars being obnoxiously loud on a Tuesday morning, the stomach pains brought on by some dining hall foods or the suggestion that “getting comfortable with time alone in college is vital,” as one Yik Yak user said.
Personally, I open the app only once or twice a week — yet each time I find myself in agreement with my peers and captivated by the humorous comments. It’s my way of staying tuned with Loyola affairs and educating myself on others’ insights.
My point is Yik Yak, along with other apps that give users free range to do whatever, could bring up some questionable conversations, but for the most part the good outweighs the bad. Any person who is uneasy about their arrival to Loyola should download this riveting app for entertainment and advice they otherwise would never see.
Whether it’s for a good laugh or for some random but beneficial advice, Yik Yak truly does pitch in to create better students and a better overall experience here at Loyola.
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