Conference

Beyond Our Screens: Race and Social Media

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Abstract

Social media is, and will continue to undoubtedly be a huge part of students’ lives. 45% of [students admit] that they spend 6-8 hours per day checking social media sites (Wang, Chen & Lianq, 2011). Among the list of continuously growing social media outlets, SnapChat and Yik Yak have been added to that list. Iowa State University students send approximately four yaks (or posts) per minute (Iowa State Daily). But, what’s race got to do with all this? For starters, these social media outlets provide anonymity. Anonymity allows social media users to hide who they are while allowing them to say exactly how they feel. Unfortunately, this is allowing the expression of unpacked racial biases. Some Iowa State students may not be attending campus-sponsored diversity events or discussing race when prompted in class, however they are proving that they are not silent on these topics (Mundell, 2011). Do these platforms allow for civil discourse or are they simply harming our campus climate? Join us as we explore the impact of racially charged Yaks and Snaps.