Social Media and Higher Education: The Problem of Anonymous Electronic Threats to the Campus Community

Abstract

This case is for use in graduate courses pertaining to student affairs and higher education administration. It presents challenges higher education professionals face concerning anonymous social media, and specifically how threats made through anonymous social media platforms such as Yik Yak affect the entire university community. The anonymity of Yik Yak users poses difficulties for administrators when harassment and threats occur, whether directed toward one student or an entire campus community. This case highlights the complex issues that administrators must confront as well as provides students the opportunity to evaluate such issues via the deconstruction of this multifaceted case.