YikYak is Back!

The Gainesville plague, Alpha Daddy, and DuoPush slander, oh my!

(@YikYakUF / Twitter)

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Love it or hate it, YikYak’s magnitude is undeniable. The unfiltered shit-show of social media has returned and taken Gainesville by storm. There’s something about the anonymity that makes everyone feel...seen? Unhinged? It’s mysterious but also approachable. It has its niche moments but also more Greek life jokes than anyone can handle. Believe me when I say I really don’t need to hear another Pi Kapp joke for the rest of my life.

I view YikYak as almost an alternative news source. A quick check during the day lets me know what Dennis is up to, what sorority everyone is making fun of, and how many new people have been self-diagnosed with the Gainesville plague. Think “The Onion” meets “Urban Dictionary” meets “Barstool Sports”, but in a rotating anonymous Twitter format.

Here’s a roundup of some of the most outrageous and affirming YikYaks so far this semester.

I see no lies

A soldier never enters the warzone unprepared...

Clear distinction.

I have absolute faith in Superior Towing’s abilities to keep Gainesville Taliban-free.

Forget midterms, go be island champion!

Discussion posts are great when your love language is words of affirmation.

I speak on behalf of every UF student when I say, we didn’t need YikYak back in our social media rotation. But we got it, and we’re milking it for all its worth.

It’s definitely had its issues, like reports of racism, prejudice, and threats of violence leading to its four-year shutdown. The new owners that have resurrected it have promised to knuckle down on regulation, but only time will tell if they are successful.

For now, if Instagram shuts again, you know you can rely on YikYak to give you an excuse for procrastinating all your schoolwork. In the words of Taylor Swift, YikYak is, “happy, free, confused and lonely at the same time” It really is miserable and magical; making it the most college-like app to ever exist. May it live a long and prosperous life.

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Alex Mowrey is an Online Writer at Rowdy Magazine. She’s a big fan of rice krispies treats, Ikea, and complex female characters! You can reach her (maybe) via @a.mow on Instagram or (definitely) at amowrey@ufl.edu