Picture this: You’re scrolling on your phone; it’s been a long week and you don’t know what’s been up with the Deerfield community. Then, you see a meme, and somehow you now know something that you perhaps didn’t need to know but the devil on your shoulder finds it somewhat amusing. Hmm, is this moral?
In recent times, Deerfield “meme” accounts on Instagram have gained popularity, offering humor and a sense of community to students and alumni. However, there’s a troubling trend that cannot be ignored: some of these meme accounts are increasingly being used as platforms for public bullying.
Meme accounts should be a source of lighthearted humor and unity. Still, some Deerfield meme accounts have veered off course, sharing personal information, gossip, and humiliating stories about individuals, often behind a veil of anonymity. This behavior fosters a toxic online culture, where harassment thrives.
The problem goes beyond the content itself; it’s about violating individuals’ privacy and dignity without their consent. The unintended consequence is that we rely on meme accounts as sources for collecting private details about individuals, which is unacceptable and sets a harmful precedent.
To create a healthier meme account culture, operators should prioritize humor that doesn’t harm or offend individuals. Content should relate to the Deerfield experience as a whole and avoid personal attacks, thereby ensuring inclusivity.
As members of the student body, we must exercise discretion and avoid engaging with or sup- porting meme accounts that engage in bullying or invasion of privacy. Let’s encourage and celebrate meme accounts that foster unity and affection within our Deerfield community.