As if our generation wasn’t already completely obsessed with Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, the geniuses of social media have created a new app that is taking the young-adult world by storm. For years, Facebook and Twitter have given us the ability to show off pictures from family reunions, allowed us to comment “oohs” and “aahs” on friends’ vacation photos, and even to friend request that cute classmate that we are too shy to talk to. But the newest member of the social media world, Yik Yak, is taking over the Virginia Tech student body. Yik Yak, available on any smartphone, is an anonymous social media application that compiles features from other social medias, but turns statuses and updates into a game. Yik Yak was made intentionally for students on college campuses and is restrictive in that one can only view the “Yaks” that are written on the college campus nearest their location. Since the start to the 2014 Fall Semester here at Virginia Tech, almost every student has downloaded the app and has begun to compile their “Yakarma” points. From observant freshmen to relaxed seniors, every student is fascinated with this app. Its simple features, communication techniques, and public relations have led the app to be a smashing success. Here are a few reasons why Yik Yak has taken social media and college campuses by storm: 1. Anonymity. Students are only allowed to post comments, opinions, and updates anonymously, which raises the level of involvement significantly. Students also avoid stating people’s names in their posts, so every “Yak” is a mystery that simply arouses every other “Yakker”. 2. Points. It is no secret that everybody loves a competition and the creators of Yik Yak definitely kept this is mind when creating the app. When a student uploads a post, the student is tossed a few “Yakarma” points. When a student “up votes” or “down votes” another student’s post, they are similarly tossed a few points. However, if a student uploads a post that just doesn’t seem to amuse his or her fellow Hokies, and if the post receives five down votes, the post is automatically deleted and the “Yakker” loses a few precious points. Not only does this keep the content amusing, it is also a way to keep the content reasonably clean and appropriate. 3. Relatability. Because of this app’s anonymity and competition concept, there is a continuous flow of “Yaks” being uploaded every second. Just about every one of these “Yaks” is ridiculous, relatable, college humor. Because every “Yakker” is a Virginia Tech student, everyone can relate and laugh with one another. The liveliness and activity within this app is continuous and has caused the app to surpass the longevity of many similar apps. Yik Yak’s key feature is its ability to communicate among thousands of students and inevitably maintain public popularity and a favorable public image as a company in general. This app’s success is due to the endless uploads supplied by university students with an eagerness to connect with their classmates. Check it out! Edited by Katharina Elberti, Webmaster and Editor-in-Chief 2014-2015
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
May 2021
Categories
All
|