One side argued that the social media app facilitated hate speech. The other said the app gave the silent a voice. But the point of the debate remained the same.
“We need to engage issues that are important to us,” said Director of Debate Mike Bauer. “That is a mechanism for change."
Two teams argued for and against the continued existence of the social media app, Yik Yak, on Jan. 14, at a debate hosted by the Ball State debate team.
Students squeezed into any available space while Dakota Wappes, a senior communications studies major, and his team member, Cameron Sparks, a senior computer information systems major, debated on the “side of the government,” which supported the banning of Yik Yak.
Keatton Middleton, a freshman business administration and pre law major, and Dashaen Jordan, a freshman political science major, returned fire while debating the “side of the opposition,” which supported the continued existence of the app.
Wappes focused his team’s argument on the hateful and threatening comments often posted on Yik Yak, as well as his point that the app had no practical application.
“When you don’t feel as if you are connected to what you are saying, you are much more apt to push boundaries, to push limits or to harm others,” said Wappes.
The opposition responded by labeling Yik Yak posts as free speech and emphasizing the possibility of positive Yik Yak interactions.
“It’s a matter of free speech and everyone should have that,” said Middleton.
When the debate ended, the audience was asked to raise their hand in favor of which side they agreed with.
The government team received a smattering of support, but hands reached high into the air throughout the room for the opposition.
Bauer had asked for engagement and he received it.
After the crowd vote, the debate judges ruled in favor of the government 2-1.
Students also took to Yik Yak during and after the debate to voice their opinion.
“Preach. Dude in the white shirt [Middleton] has got it right. If you don’t like it or want to see it, don’t have the app,” read one with 28 upvotes.
Sometimes, they posted without a stance.
“Downloaded Yik Yak to look at the ridiculous comments people would be posting during this debate,” said one anonymous poster.
The debaters appreciated the feedback.
Sparks hopes that because of the debate, Yik Yak users will down vote hateful posts more often.
“I think that it’s made people a little bit more aware of some of these posts. I think that’s a good thing too,” he said.
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