As we all go about our daily schedules, it can be hard to keep in touch with everything that is happening on campus. Here are some apps that are popular on campus right now.
Yik Yak
Launched November 2013
Free
Available on App Store and Google Play
Yik Yak allows users to anonymously post, much like a Reddit or Twitter feed. Users also have the ability to up or down vote posts. Yik Yak is a great way to find out almost immediately what is happening around campus. Cam Mullen, the lead community developer at Yik Yak, commented that Yik Yak was useful in the way that users would read what others were “actually thinking and what they will say when they have an anonymous wall to hide behind.”
Fade
Launched March 2014
Free
Available on App Store and Google Play
Fade is much like a cousin of Yik Yak; it allows users to post pictures and videos of what is happening around campus. Fade’s motto is “Nothing Lasts Forever.” Meaning, users can up or down vote to determine the lifespan of the original posting. Fade allows one anonymous post per user a day, with all posts lasting at least 24 hours, depending on the up and down votes of course.
Whisper
Launched March 2012
Free
Available on App Store and Google Play
Although this app is a little bit older, it is still very much in use. Whisper is like the older sister of Yik Yak, and offers an abundance of other features. Users post anonymous secrets, confessions, thoughts, really anything that is on their mind in a customizable posting with fonts and pictures. Users can then respond directly on the posting or can direct message the original user. Users can also search “Whispers” and connect with likeminded individuals.
Tinder
Launched September 2012
Free
Available on App Store and Google Play
Tinder is the college version of matchmaker.com, with its “swipe right or left” you might find your soul mate in your area. Tinder uses GPS technology to find profiles in your area. These profiles have been screened by Tinder using their Facebook profiles and analyzed by their social graphs, geographical location, friends and interests to maximize the likelihood of a potential match.
Although Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat will always reign in our social media lifestyles, there are constantly new apps to help connect you to the community around you. Although we connect via internet, don’t forget to look up to see for yourself!