The 5Cs most beloved and infamous app: Fizz. I sometimes get nervous opening Fizz in public, worrying about what wild comments might pop up on my screen. These range from asking if anyone has seen a missing pair of AirPods to cringe-worthy posts of my peers thirsting online.
The app was developed in 2020 and created a platform for students from the same university to anonymously post photos, messages or graphics. But why do students ask such outrageous questions? Why not ask your friends? In part, anonymity allows individuals to speak more freely. But if students seek honest answers, posting on Fizz is not the solution. Most Fizzes have zero responses, prompting me to wonder if there’s another purpose behind sharing your whole life story for thousands of strangers to see.
I thought I’d try to tackle the difficult task of answering some of the most popular Fizzes.
“Is it normal for a guy to look at you a million times in class and if so what do i do like idk how to flirt”
Yeah, it’s totally normal if your huge head is blocking the board! If you’re pretty sure you don’t have an unusually large head, then I’d assume that he’s at least a little interested.
I’m not an expert on flirting, but I have friends who are! Some tips:
- Eye-contact. It’s simple yet effective. Just try not to stare too much — that’s creepy.
- Ignore the person slightly (yes, someone actually gave this advice). Whenever they’re speaking, you’re busy scrolling through the 5C Dining app or looking elsewhere.
- Laugh at their jokes, tease them a bit and exercise some casual banter.
If you don’t like feeling ignored: “Being left on read is the worst feeling ever. Do I bring it up or should I just focus on myself?”
Never bring it up. Confrontation is the worst thing that could ever happen. Focus on yourself by canceling Snapchat Premium and watching Andrew Tate or David Goggins.
As reflected in the endless Fizzes asking for romantic advice, dating is a hot topic in Claremont. People want their feelings validated and their sometimes-delusional dreams encouraged. Posting on Fizz opens up the rare opportunity for someone to respond and reassure them they aren’t crazy – that kid is totally in love with them too.
Still feeling frustrated? “Anyone else on the verge of a mental breakdown? If so I’m sorry! If not…dang I want to be you!”
Sorry, I’m thriving! Pro tip: live in a triple with paper-thin walls and remind yourself that you’ve got 200 pages and ten essays due by yesterday. You’ll never feel like crying! (Also, TimelyCare has free virtual mental health services if you log in with your school email). Hope this helps.
“At the 5Cs, it can feel like you’re the only one in sweatpants and struggling while everyone else has it all together.”
Or you could just pretend that you’re not an adult: “Middle school library or computer lab time: what was your go to coolmath game?”
Papa’s Freezeria, Fireboy & Lavagirl, Duck Life 4.
At the 5Cs, it can feel like you’re the only one in sweatpants and struggling while everyone else has it all together. Fizz is a place where students don’t have to feel bad about rotting on their phones, because they’re connecting over the internet. Remember, you’re not the only one crying in the library or grinding NBA2K all day.
“Bros and bronettes, can I borrow someone’s copy of ‘A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Become Hot (Dudes Edition)’ please? I high key need it”
Sorry, bro. I don’t have the “Dudes Edition,” but you could totally borrow my copy of Elisabeth Elliot’s “The Mark of a Man” that my mom gifted me last Christmas. My advice is to just be interesting and interested. Put effort and care into the activities and things already in your life – that’s hot.
“has the water here turned anyone gay yet?”
No … I’ll keep drinking, just in case.
I pray that these last two Fizzers did not ask these questions seeking serious answers. Still, they shed some light on the truth. As a Marylander, it seems that the average levels of attractiveness and gayness in California are much higher.
Some Fizz posts seek more laughs than actual answers; others voice the deeper truths of what many students may be thinking. One question that I keep thinking about is: “What did I do to deserve this.”
First, I’m sorry. I feel you. Sometimes we did nothing to “deserve” the situations we’re placed in. But “why me?” I don’t know. It might bring us more peace to focus on the joys ahead, like the next even crazier Fizz post.
So why post on Fizz? Maybe it’s a way to lighten up some of the more difficult parts of life without publicly exposing ourselves to the embarrassment that comes with it.
Anyway, I’m deleting Fizz.
Ellie Chi PO ’28 is from Clarksville, Maryland. Her New Year’s resolution is always to be more honest and she honestly really enjoys reading “The Catcher in the Rye.”
Facebook Comments