Abstract
This study examines how college students at Minnesota State University, Mankato, use the anonymous social media app Yik Yak, and what they discuss within it. Using qualitative content analysis, 963 anonymous posts were collected and coded into five initial categories: (1) Seeking and Sharing Information, (2) Giving Raw and Unfiltered Opinions, (3) Attempting to Socialize, (4) Seeking Belonging, and (5) Complaining. The findings show that most posts expressed raw opinions, followed by seeking for belonging. Sub-themes emerged in these two categories, which offered more specific examples of how students use Yik Yak. These trends provide insight into how anonymity may influence online student interaction and communication to express themselves freely, seek and share information, and foster community among their fellow students. Students use these posts to air their frustrations, ask questions without judgment, and connect with others on campus who may have shared experiences.
Advisor
Sarah Epplen
Committee Member
Aaron Hoy
Committee Member
Kelly A. Moreland
Date of Degree
2025
Language
english
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Science (MS)
Program of Study
Sociology/Human Service Planning and Administration
Department
Sociology and Leadership Studies
College
Humanities and Social Sciences
Recommended Citation
Nemgar, M. (2025). From gossip to guidance: Analyzing student posting on Yik Yak [Master’s thesis, Minnesota State University, Mankato]. Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/etds/1565/
Rights Statement
