USD fake Twitter accounts @ an all-time high

Since @FakeJimAbbot’s identity was revealed in an October issue of the Volante, there have been fake accounts popping up all over the “Twittersphere” centering on people and objects at the University of South Dakota.

Some of these include @CoyoteStatue, @FakeJoeGlenn,

@uDOTchair, @KarenSmithUSD, among others.

Most of the accounts tweet about events going on around campus or make fun of them, while some even tweet at each other. These parody accounts can be raunchy at times, or slightly inappropriate, depending on who you are.

But they did raise a legitimate question: Why are students doing this?

The @CoyoteStatue operator said they wanted to have the freedom to say what they pleased without being ridiculed. After seeing that @FakeJimAbbott’s account was more subdued, @Coyote Statue didn’t want to feel like they had to be appropriate.

“I decided to make a Twitter account so that I could be uncensored and say what I wanted to, be funny, not worry about what people think or what people’s reactions would be,” the account operator said.

And student reaction varies.

“For the most part, they’re kind of stupid because they’re unoriginal,” First-year Collette Bowman said. “I’ve seen all those accounts done time and time again. It gets old after awhile.”

When it comes to what inspired students to make these fake accounts, the reasons vary. Some were inspired by the

@FakeJimAbbot parody, but

@FakeJoeGlenn said students inspired him.

“(Students) should be able to speak their mind about what is arguably the face of the university; its athletic program,” the operator said. “The students are frustrated and I understand. It is a new system and a new year. There are great things to come.”

But senior Jess Martin isn’t looking forward to any new parodies on Twitter.

“I thought they were kind of funny right away, but now there’s too many and it’s just annoying,” he said.

Since few people know who run these accounts, the operators never really have any backlash directed at them as students. If anything, response is generally positive, judging from the “favorites” and “retweets” that they all get. There have been some tweeting disputes between some of the accounts, but that doesn’t affect @CoyoteStatue.

“There have been a few arguments via Twitter, but that’s the beauty of it, and honestly my favorite part,” @CoyoteStatue said.

@FakeJoeGlenn agreed that there has been nothing but positive feedback.

“There have been a few people that might be tired of the fake accounts, but in general, I have received overwhelming support,” the operator said. “I’m not sure if I should be offended that people find my personality funny, but I can laugh at myself.”

Throughout the school year these Twitter accounts will continue to tweet as their fake identities and have fun doing so. The trend shows no sign of ending soon.

“All in all, it’s for fun,” @CoyoteStatue said. “If people get mad about it, then they need to lighten up.”