Anonymous Social Media

The experiences of Messiah University students and employees are directly impacted by the spaces and relationships we build together to form this community. This community includes a range of freedom and responsibilities as we share the practical implications of community life alongside one another, reflected in our individual relationships with God, creation, and each other.

University expectations for the responsibilities and practical implications of our community members can be found across our University, in documents such as The Community Covenant, the Student and Employee Codes of Conduct, and the University Harassment Policy.

Anonymous social media apps and platforms (such as Fizz and Sidechat—formerly YiKYak—Hush, or anonymous Instagram accounts) can provide our students spaces of solidarity, humor, safety, and connection. However, both information and misinformation spread quickly across these platforms and both have real impact and consequences. This is particularly important to consider when anonymous posts and interactions include harmful content.

Posts that harm members of our community—whether by spreading rumors or misrepresenting a situation, or by using language or images that may discriminate against or harass individuals or groups—do not represent the values of our community.

Online spaces are part of campus life; when harmful interactions occur online, the impact does not stay online. Students’ well-being, sense of belonging and safety, and ability to focus on educational experiences can all suffer from harassment that occurs online. Messiah University behavioral expectations and community values exist online, too! Keep in mind that even if something is posted anonymously, it can have significant consequences.