A recently created Instagram account has surfaced and caught the attention of many Godwin students with its posts surrounding rumors and gossip.

The instagram account, Girls to Watch Out for At Godwin, first posted on Sept. 10, stating that their first post would come soon. Upon the release of the first post, it became clear that the account was run by multiple people, the caption referring to “me and my team”.

It has since racked up a decent following, reaching over 400 followers within the first couple of weeks of its existence. After examining the account, it appears that the average number of people who interact with the account, by liking and commenting, is around 35 to 40 people. This engagement is what fuels the account to keep posting.

However, the account has turned sour and caused drama amongst the students who have been posted. Our concern is about the students and how they’ve been impacted by the claims made by the account.

This is not the first time an account such as this was made, many others like this have been created in the past. Just to name a few: Godwin Confessions, Godwin Gossip Girl, and Trash of Godwin.

Schools such as Deep Run and Glenn Allen have been faced with the creation of similar accounts with the same intentions as the ones made here at Godwin. Schools nationwide make these targeted accounts, it’s become a huge trend that needs to be talked about.

A commonly proposed solution is that these sorts of accounts be deleted. However, a new one will eventually be created, meaning that there would be non-stop to the cycle of the creation of these targeted accounts.  

The brains of teenagers aren’t fully developed which leads to inability to tell right from wrong. These accounts are most likely driven by bored teenagers wanting excitement in their lives. Social media has allowed many to hide behind a screen,  posting whatever they want without their identity being exposed. It’s become a security blanket for spreading false and cruel things.

Drama, as a whole, is relevant in high school. The latest rumors circulate around and around, creating a constant cycle. As teens, we have strong emotions and opinions about everything, some having stronger opinions than others.

The purpose of these accounts can be a way of getting “revenge” on someone or to relieve their own pressures or insecurities. These accounts allow them to pick on others while they are safe behind the screen.

The spread of these rumors has not only reached ears all over, but eyes on social media.  Cyberbullying has become a more pressing issue as society has become more dependable on technology. 

The security blanket that devices provide helps those behind accounts thrive and get people’s attention. Many post exposing stories because they feel like they have attained a sense of power, like holding untrue rumors over someone’s head. 

The main point I’d like to get across is to stop making these accounts. We, as a school, don’t know what people are going through at home or anywhere else. Godwin is a place to feel safe, not exposed. We can’t change the development of the brain, but we can change our actions and stop to think about how this could affect others.