Anonymous Social Apps Under Scrutiny at UNC System
Anonymous social apps are facing scrutiny once again, this time at the University of North Carolina (UNC) System. In a recent announcement, UNC System President Peter Hans revealed plans to prohibit the use of popular anonymous social platforms on campus, including Yik Yak, Fizz, Whisper, and Sidechat. This ban will affect the 16 universities within the UNC system, such as UNC Chapel Hill, NCSU, UNC Charlotte, and others, as well as one public residential high school.
Concerns Raised by Hans
Hans cited concerns about the negative impact of these apps on young people, highlighting their reckless disregard for user wellbeing and their facilitation of bullying, harassment, and other inappropriate behaviors. He emphasized that these platforms often turn a blind eye to issues like sexual harassment, racial insults, and drug dealing.
Pattern of Harmful Behavior
Anonymous social apps primarily attract younger users and are notorious for fostering harmful behavior online. Hans likened them to modern equivalents of spreading rumors on bathroom walls, albeit with a wider audience. Despite their popularity among college students, these apps often escape the attention of administrators due to their localized nature and specific demographic appeal.
Past Backlash and Current Scrutiny
This isn’t the first time anonymous social apps have faced backlash. Yik Yak, for example, had to undergo significant changes due to issues like bullying and violence threats before resurfacing under new ownership. Similarly, other platforms in this category have struggled to maintain sustainable businesses, facing challenges ranging from consumer backlash to regulatory issues.
UNC’s Response
UNC’s decision to ban these apps from its network signals a potential turning point for the current crop of anonymous social platforms. While the ban doesn’t prevent students from accessing the apps through other means, it aims to discourage their use and mitigate the associated risks.
Influence of External Factors
Hans’ decision was influenced by a public lecture from NYU social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, who emphasized the need for a reconsideration of our relationship with technology and online interactions. Hans hopes that this action will prompt reflection on how students engage with digital platforms and cultivate healthier online environments.
Limited Response from Companies
Efforts to reach out to the companies behind these apps for comment were largely unsuccessful, indicating a lack of responsiveness to concerns raised about their platforms. Despite their current user base, these apps face increasing scrutiny from universities and regulatory bodies alike.
Implementation of Ban
UNC has not yet implemented the ban, but Hans has directed legal and IT teams to develop a plan to block these apps from the UNC System infrastructure, though a specific timeline for implementation has not been shared.
