Sometimes, there is nothing better than a funny Fizz post that brings a smile to your face and helps you get through dreaded morning classes. However, the highly controversial anonymous student threads platform is often characterized as misleading and unnecessarily dramatic.
Despite these negative depictions and being considered shallow entertainment, Fizz, when used properly, can empower and bring students together. Anonymity allows people to set aside demographic and characteristic differences to discuss and find common ground on various topics.
Students who may have questions but do not know who to ask can find guidance through the platform. For example, various users can respond to posts about social scenarios and shape behavior. People can also discuss academics freely, often gaining insight into how difficult an exam was or information on professors. With the addition of Fizz Marketplace, students now have an easier way of buying and selling various goods, reducing potential fees they may encounter on websites such as eBay or Etsy.
Most importantly, however, Fizz can give us an opportunity to be our genuine selves. Many users bring up serious topics they otherwise may be too embarrassed or self-conscious to talk about. From what I have seen, posts regarding mental health, sexual violence and other legitimate struggles have received widespread support and empathy. Speaking from personal experience, some of the best support I received during times of struggle and the most meaningful conversations I have had all occurred on Fizz.
There is something beautiful about connecting, empathizing and finding common ground with someone anonymous. With no name attached, people can remove all potential prejudice, and judge each used based on what their content says, rather than who they are.
However, anonymity is a double-edged sword and is the main source of the platform’s problems. Trolls, hate and toxicity are often prevalent as anonymity prevents posters from being traced, reducing consequences. Oftentimes, misinformation also spreads, causing stress, especially during times of social tension such as sorority rush. Trolls often post false information about girls being blacklisted from sororities or other fictional events, creating panic among the rushees.
The disinformation impacts the freshman class the most, as their lack of knowledge may be taken advantage of by posters who intentionally mislead. However, a lot of the negative effects of Fizz can be addressed through increased moderation of the app to scrutinize posts that are potentially harmful.
While such things do occur, it is something to be expected with an app of this nature. Moderators exist for a reason — to eliminate inappropriate speech and try to make the community as non-toxic as possible. Although moderation efforts do fall short, the chaotic and sporadic activity is what makes the app fun.
As long as wholesome interactions continue to happen and Fizz continues to be a social outlet for those in the Tulane community to turn to, it is something positive and outweighs potential harm.
We should worry less about the drama or toxicity on Fizz, as that can always be moderated or overlooked. However, there is nothing else like it that allows students to benefit from anonymity. The problem is much more about irresponsible users rather than the app’s structure. Thus, users who genuinely benefit from Fizz should not have a source of positivity diminished.
Ultimately, nothing much can be done as Fizz is deregulated and unaffiliated with Tulane University. However, encouraging more a positive portrayal and thought about the app can ensure its continued use as a resource and a wholesome way to connect rather than something that hurts the student body.
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