Fizz: an app that lets students post anonymously gains popularity and concerns university leaders

By Lauren Steinbrook

News and Engagement Editor

A new anonymous app called Fizz has exploded in popularity among Trevecca students this fall, becoming a hub for memes, confessions, and content that university student leaders and administrators say is often not in line with campus community values. 

As of Sept. 11, at least 400 students appear to be active on Fizz each day, based on the number of likes on the day’s most popular post. On average, roughly 150 to 200 posts appear daily — a level of activity students say shows just how popular the app has become.

Posts on the app include everything from funny memes about cafeteria food, deeply personal confessions, as well as sexual content that worries university leaders. 

“We are concerned about the things that we see on this app that truly go against our community values and our culture overall here at Trevecca,” said Jessica Dykes, vice president and dean of student development. “This hasn’t been something that has been part of our culture previously, and it is concerning to me.”

Fizz was originally created in 2020 by two Stanford students who wanted to give their classmates a private, campus-specific forum during the pandemic. After rebranding from its original name “Buzz,” the app expanded to colleges across the country, according to the Stanford Daily in an article from January of 2022.

Today, Fizz markets itself on its website as “a discussion and news feed for your community” where students can post text, photos, videos, polls, and more — either anonymously or with a handle. Membership requires a verified university email, making each campus community closed to outsiders. The platform is not affiliated with any university, though posts are moderated by student volunteers, and content can be subject to legal requests.

At Trevecca, reactions to the app have been sharply divided. Students have used Fizz to post lighthearted jokes about campus life and professors, share personal struggles and look for friends to sit with in the cafeteria.

But other students have used the app to make sexual comments about other students, post photos of sex toys and name athletes or other classmates and saying they want to sleep with them. 

In one case, a user reposted a photo of a female student from her personal Instagram and made sexual comments about her body. Other posts have accused the university of covering up for students who have committed sexual assault, and sparked heated arguments about politics and campus issues.

Some users have posted about off-campus parties and where to buy alcohol underage. 

Many students found the app through the connected Instagram account, @fizztnu, which reposts screenshots of campus Fizz posts. The account had 311 followers on Friday, Sept. 5, but had dropped to 247 by Wednesday, Sept. 10.

On Aug. 29, SGA president Kenna Tatum posted a statement on her Instagram story. 

“Trevacca, regarding the inappropriate instagram page, the university is aware and taking action,” said Tatum. “But I encourage you to report it as well as a Christian community, we are called to honor one another with respect and love. This kind of behavior is disappointing and not who we are.” 

Tatum declined to be interviewed for this story.

Some students say the anonymity gives them a space to be vulnerable and be able to make friends.

“It feels like a safe place. Since no one knows who you are, you don’t feel judged for what you share,” said Riley Megyesi, junior computer engineering major. “That makes it easier for people to be open about their thoughts or struggles. I’ve seen people post about being scared or unsure when it comes to dating, and instead of getting judged, other students actually responded with advice on how to approach it. It shows that people do want to help each other out on here.”

Others say the app has crossed a line. Posts have included sexual comments about classmates and gossip that many feel violates Trevecca’s values.

“I have very mixed feelings about it. On one hand, some things are very funny,” said Fowler. “But I think there’s also a lot of stuff that’s definitely a little much… I think the downside of that is it’s so unhinged,”

Dykes acknowledged the difficulty of responding to anonymous platforms.

“Our community accountability guidelines extend to social media as well,” said Dykes. “The things that are seen on social media are also grounds for us to take accountability measures here at Trevecca. If we don’t know who’s posting it, then it presents some challenges for the university, but it doesn’t prevent students from coming and telling us what they know.”

Dykes added that she has been encouraged by the number of students who have voiced concerns.

“We’ve had students reach out to us with a high level of concern,” said Dykes. “Which makes me really happy that our students are positively adding to the culture here on campus and realize that this is not aligned with our community values in many situations.”

Dykes says that students should consider the impact of their online behavior. Her team and student leaders are encouraging students to be a positive influence on social media and to watch what they share among their friend groups.

Sophomore english education major, Brodie Fowler, agrees. 

“I think you have to really be careful what you’re letting your spirit kind of dip into,” said Fowler. “It’s really important to be hyper aware of what you’re allowing yourself to perceive and to let your thoughts kind of dwell on. And I think especially that’s true now.”