Have you ever wanted to voice an opinion about something but didn’t want to deal with the attention that comes with it? The well-known social media platform YikYak allows you to do just that, and has become especially popular among NMU students.

It is not old news that cyberbullying has spiked in recent years. Unfortunately, it has also become a problem on this platform. With the wide range of views and diversity that come with being part of a university, conversations have, at times, gotten out of hand.

Unlike most apps today, YikYak does not require names, photos or any personal information to post. This means anyone can share messages, memes or photos without revealing their identity. For many, this anonymity has created a safe space to share thoughts and opinions they might otherwise keep to themselves.

But anonymity can also create room for abuse. While many posts are lighthearted—such as updates about group meetings, hangout invitations or even comments on the weather—others are quickly shut down by negativity in the comments section. Genuine positivity can be rare.

One of the biggest concerns NMU has faced with YikYak involves mental health posts. Because of its anonymous nature, some students find comfort in expressing their struggles with exams, homesickness or roommate issues. These posts can foster connection and empathy, letting others know they are not alone.

However, anonymity also ensures that harsh comments, gossip and rude jokes appear alongside supportive posts. While YikYak offers tools like downvoting and reporting, harmful content often slips through. For students already struggling with anxiety or depression, negative posts can intensify their feelings.

“I don’t like that it’s anonymous because people say more drastic things than they would if their name [was] attached to it,” said first-year student Charlotte Agnello. “However, I like that it helps make a community more connected because you can talk to people that you normally wouldn’t think to talk to.”

YikYak has left a noticeable mark on NMU’s social life that shows no signs of fading. From casual updates to political debates (and, unfortunately, cyberbullying), the platform has become a central part of student conversation. In some cases, it has even drawn more attention than academics themselves.