The Fizz app is an anonymous social media platform, created by former Standford University students Ashton Cofer and Teddy Solomon, targeted towards college students to promote honest discussions. It was created during the COVID-19 pandemic to help students connect virtually. Langston University students began using the Fizz app within the first two weeks of school. During this time, students were seen handing out donuts to encourage others to join.
Criminal justice major Katelynn Raguindin expressed that she and two other students were approached by the creators of the app to operate as team leads for the campus and promote the app during the first week of school. “This all happened during the summer around the end of June,” Raguidin said.
When describing the nature of the app, Riley Jones, a sophomore nursing major, said, “Fizz is like a college Twitter.” Since the first week of school the Langston University Fizz pager has been flooded with confessions, criticisms and relatable content about the university. Kai Smith a sophomore chemistry major, recounted some of the topics that are frequently discussed on the app.
“The things I have seen on Fizz have been issues with fraternities and sororities, fights and posts about popular people on campus.” Loren Hindsman, a sophomore general studies major expressed some of Fizz’s more positive uses by stating, “I feel like Fizz is good for entertainment and promotion.”
With the use of the Fizz app on campus growing, some faculty members revealed that they have knowledge of what is being said and shared by students. “We see what you post on social media and Fizz,” said The Office of Public Relations. Teaa Hopkins, the Student Engagement and Leadership Coordinator, learned about the app by hearing students talk about the donuts that were passed out. Reina Griffin, a sophomore psychology major expressed her concerns about faculty viewing the Langston University Fizz account by saying, “I don’t think they would approve it.”
After downloading the app, sophomore Jalen Francis felt that the app was not a good idea. “This could only go left,” she said. Francis also shared that she has seen the social climate on campus be affected negatively since students have downloaded the app. “Social-wise, it definitely changed for the worse,” Francis said. Griffin shared a similar sentiment by saying, “This was the last thing we needed around here.” Griffin explained that she feels that she needs to watch what she posts on the Fizz app for fear that her identity could be revealed. “I feel like one day they’re going to drop all the emails,” Griffin said.
No response was given upon contacting the Instagram page linked to the Langston University Fizz account and Langston officials declined to comment when asked about the app’s affiliation to the school.
Erin Cotton
Staff Writer
Erin Cotton is a junior broadcast
journalism major
Ciera Agee
Staff Writer
Ciera Agee is a
sophomore broadcast journalism major.
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