The launch of a new gossip app, Fizz, at a Vermont high school has led to widespread bullying and controversy, reigniting concerns about the impact of social media on teen mental health.
What Happened: The app, created by two Stanford University students, was intended to provide a safe, anonymous space for students to connect. However, it quickly devolved into a platform for cyberbullying, The Wall Street Journal reported.
The high school’s principal described the situation as the most disruptive in his nine years at the school.
Posts on the app included speculation about students’ sexual orientation, mocking of their appearance and disabilities, and accusations of teacher-student relationships. The app’s upvoting system often pushed the most harmful posts to the top, creating an environment of fear and distrust among ...