Social media, an increasingly popular and influential form of communication across Gen-Z, includes commonly known apps such as Instagram, Tik Tok, and Snapchat. These apps connect the student body together, creating a social atmosphere boosted with popularity and virtual satisfaction.  However, with its immense potential and benefits, there are also costs and dangers posed towards students that can be seen through the recent rise of anonymous Instagram accounts with names such as “lthsloverz” and “lths_sh*tterkicks”. 

Firstly, the nature of taking pictures and body parts of individuals in areas such as restrooms and locker rooms can face legal challenges according to the Texas photography laws. Specifically in Texas Penal Code Section 21.15, it is a crime for one to photograph, record, or transmit an image of someone in a bathroom or changing room without permission from the subject. 

With the signature of “anonymous submissions” and “we will not tell”, it is hardly possible to assure the consent of the subject, which makes the situation even closer to the violation against the law thus putting the entire student body’s privacy and security in danger, exchanging followers and likes with illegal charges. 

Secondly, the creation of these accounts have stirred up a polarized response within students. Many believe that it is fun to see other student’s life at school and the supposedly “ship” or “rumors” that have been circling around while others believe that it is not appropriate and can cause a reaction of insecurity and anxiety regarding the supposedly cameras and anonymous photographers that are taking pictures of their life at school. 

Furthermore, the owner of these accounts have little chance to cross check with the the list of students that were not supposed to be taken photographs of, ultimately causing another level of invasion against privacy and portrait rights of certain students when their photos are revealed online. 

Lastly, these accounts have caused a negative impact on the school’s image. A simple “not associated with LTHS” is not sufficient enough to prevent the account names of “sh*tter kicks” and “gays” to be related to LTHS. Not only does it contradict the school’s purpose, it is also causing a negative reaction of the general parent community against the school, causing damage to all students and even faculty members of the school. 

In conclusion, instead of spreading anonymous photos taken of students sleeping or their shoes in the bathroom, focus on other aspects of the student body or asking for permission before posting can prevent a lot of unforeseen consequences ultimately creating a more positive and appropriate social media for LTHS, since these accounts are far from the true identity of the majority of the student body and the belief that we stand by.