US students banned from posting about sorority rush as RushTok on TikTok turns toxic: Here's why Greek life is going offline
Sororities across the US are implementing strict social media bans during recruitment week, marking a significant shift from the viral TikTok phenomenon that once celebrated Greek life culture.
Sororities are exclusive women's social organisations at American universities, typically founded on principles of sisterhood, academic achievement and community service, with membership considered a privilege that students must earn through a competitive selection process.
The move comes after several high-profile cases where students faced severe online harassment following their participation in "RushTok" content.
Kylan Darnell, who became an overnight celebrity through her University of Alabama sorority content four years ago, has stepped back from social media after experiencing mental health impacts from negative reactions to her posts, as reported by the Associated Press.
The 21-year-old rising senior, who was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, previously embodied the RushTok movement that documented the week-long recruitment process.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years
IC Markets
Learn More
Undo
Sororities cite harassment concerns
Many sororities have issued de facto bans against speaking to press or posting on social media during rush week at Alabama, which hosts the nation's largest on-campus Greek life with nearly 13,000 participating students, according to the Associated Press. The measures are designed to protect prospects from harassment that has become increasingly common as the recruitment process, known as "rush," involves students trying out for sororities through rounds of activities with strict dress codes and etiquette requirements.
Financial pressures of recruitment
The recruitment process carries substantial financial commitments for participants. This week's 2,600 recruits each paid $550 to participate in a non-refundable fee structure, as reported by the Associated Press. Accepted members face average costs of $8,400 per semester to live in sorority houses, or $4,100 if residing elsewhere, according to the Alabama Panhellenic Association.
Students often spend tens of thousands on outfits, makeup and travel expenses before even beginning the process. An entire consulting industry has emerged, with some services charging up to $10,000 for months of guidance beginning in high school, as students submit "social resumes" and letters of recommendation from sorority alumni.
Social media influence and consequences
Morgan Cadenhead, now 20, gained such a following through RushTok despite being dropped that she covered most of her tuition through social media income, the Associated Press reported.
However, she faced significant online criticism for her comments about Greek life and now seeks offline employment opportunities. The marketing major was featured on Lifetime's "Sorority Mom's Guide to Rush!" programme.
Lorie Stefaneli, a New York City-based consultant who works with students nationwide, told the Associated Press she serves as "literally a therapist" during rush week, taking calls at all hours.
"I'm talking these girls down from a ledge," she said, as reported by the Associated Press.
Strict posting policies implemented
Multiple incoming freshmen confirmed to the Associated Press that they were explicitly prohibited from media interviews or rush-related social media posts. Darnell noted that selective "Old Row" houses automatically drop prospects who post content during recruitment.
"Now a lot of girls just come to the university to be influencers," Darnell told the Associated Press.
"It kind of gets in the way of sisterhood."
Some students, including Darnell's 19-year-old sister Izzy, continue posting despite restrictions, generating millions of views within days whilst satisfying demand for content about the traditionally secretive process.
TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us
here
.
Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
A miracle on wheels: 113-year-old iconic Swedish church completes breathtaking 2-day move - here's why
After a carefully executed two-day operation, Kiruna's 113-year-old red timber church has arrived safely at its new place. The relocation concluded the end of a delicate journey focused at shielding the structure from ground subsidence caused by long term iron ore mining. The iconic symbol of the northern Swedish city, traveled five kilometers on specially engineered trailers at a slow pace of 500 meters per hour, preserving its integrity throughout the move. Why the Church Had to Move Recognized as one of the nation's finest wooden buildings, the church had stood in its original location for over a the ground beneath it became unstable due to intense iron ore mining, pushing officials to carry out the massive relocation. At risk of subsidence, the church was mounted on specially made trailers and transported five kilometers at an average speed of just 500 meters per hour. The journey began with a heartfelt ceremony led by parish vicar Lena Tjärnberg and Bishop Åsa Nyström of the Diocese of Luleå. Their blessing set the tone for the trip, which rapidly drew large crowds. Despite the church moving only 30 meters in its initial hour, enthusiasm never waned. Residents lined across the streets, waving flags, filming , and celebrating in what many explained as a once-in-a-lifetime event. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The #1 Mistake Tinnitus Sufferers Make Every Night (I Did It for Years) Derila Ergo Undo At the end of the second day, the church finally arrived on firmer ground safe and intact. Cheers and applause erupted as the structure settled into its new place, making not just the end of a journey but the continuation of a legacy. Architectural Significance Built in the early 20th century, the church is popular for its vivid red cladding and architectural style blending Scandinavian design with influences from the indigenous Sámi people. Beyond its role as a place of worship, it has long stood as a community hub and a symbol of Kiruna's identity. Live Events FAQs: Q1. Where is Kiruna Church located? A1. Kiruna Church is located in Kiruna, a city in northern Sweden, about 145 km north of the Arctic Circle. Q2. How old is Kiruna Church? A2. The church is 113 years old.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Optical Illusion: Only the sharpest eyes can spot the word 'HAND' in this picture
An optical illusion challenges readers to find the word "HAND" hidden within a sea of "HNAD." The brain's tendency to recognize patterns can make the task difficult, requiring focused, letter-by-letter scanning. Success brings a satisfying sense of discovery, highlighting how our minds process visual information and sometimes overlook subtle differences. At first glance, the image in front of you might look like it's full of nothing but the same repetition of the letters 'HNAD.' The sameness is so strong that your brain might catch up with the pattern and stop looking for anything out of place. But don't be misled, this is no typical cluster of letters. Beneath this ocean of repetition is a single odd word, and your task is to discover it. Credit: Free Job Alert The secret word you seek is HAND. Yes, one precisely executed letter arrangement in between identical duplicates stands out to you. The secret is the way our brain handles picture information. We often identify common shapes or sequences of letters without necessarily reading each letter meticulously. That's why your mind instinctively corrects "HNAD" into "HAND" while reading hastily. This habit causes the odd phrase to merge so completely into the throng, almost vanishing before your eyes. To uncover it, you'll need patience, focus, and sharp observation skills. Start by scanning slowly, letter by letter, instead of reading in chunks. Notice the positioning of A and N, in most instances, they appear reversed as 'HNAD.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Hiranandani Communities Coming Soon to Alibaug. Hiranandani Exclusive Learn More Undo But somewhere, in a quiet corner of the grid, the letters fall neatly into their proper order, H-A-N-D. Think of it like searching for a needle in a haystack, only here, the haystack is made of tricky letters. Some people may discover it in seconds, while others might take much longer. Either way, once your eyes lock onto the correct sequence, you'll feel that satisfying spark of discovery. So, are you up to the challenge? Sink your teeth into the puzzle, hone your concentration, and see if you can find the hidden word HAND in plain sight. So, did you find it? How much time did you take to find the odd word? If you didn't find it, then don't be sad! Practice more and more optical illusions as these are all about practice. Find the answer to this optical illusion below in the second image. Credit: Free Job Alert If you enjoyed solving this one. Try more optical illusions like this from our section.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
10-ft-long Indian rock python rescued after causing panic in Mumbai society amid heavy monsoon rains
A 10-foot-long Indian Rock Python caused panic in a residential society in Mulund, Mumbai, after straying from its natural habitat due to heavy monsoon rains. The reptile, exhausted and disoriented, was safely rescued by the Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) in coordination with the Mumbai Forest Department. The incident underscores the increasing human-wildlife interactions in urban areas, particularly near forest peripheries like Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Experts emphasize that such intrusions are not unusual during monsoon seasons, when wildlife displacement occurs due to flooding and habitat disturbance. The swift rescue ensured the safety of residents while allowing the Indian Rock Python, a non-venomous constrictor, to return to its natural forested environment safely. Python spotted in Mumbai homes amid monsoon experts rescue safely On Tuesday afternoon, RAWW received an emergency call about a large python inside a residential society. Residents gathered as the snake climbed a tree, sparking fear and curiosity. Pawan Sharma, RAWW president, highlighted that such encounters are common in areas adjacent to forested zones, illustrating the challenges of urban wildlife management. As reported by PTI, wildlife experts explained that heavy rains often force snakes and other reptiles out of their habitats. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Were So Beautiful Before; Now Look At Them; Number 10 Will Shock You Reportingly Undo The Indian Rock Python had been displaced from nearby forests, struggling to find a safe route back to its natural habitat. Its exhaustion reflects the stresses wildlife face during monsoon flooding and urban encroachment. RAWW, in collaboration with the Mumbai Forest Department, conducted a safe and professional rescue. The python was captured without harm, then relocated to a protected forest area near Sanjay Gandhi National Park. This demonstrates the importance of trained wildlife rescue teams and emergency protocols for human-wildlife conflict. About the Indian Rock Python The Indian Rock Python (Python molurus) is a non-venomous, constrictor snake, one of the largest in India. Key facts include: Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and near water bodies Diet: Small mammals, birds, and reptiles Behaviour: Nocturnal, generally non-aggressive Conservation status: Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 While harmless if left alone, their large size can cause fear in urban settings. Human-wildlife interaction in urban Mumbai Urban areas near Sanjay Gandhi National Park often witness wildlife intrusions, especially during heavy rains. Encroachment, habitat loss, and climate changes contribute to increased human-snake encounters. Precautions recommended by experts: Avoid approaching or attempting to handle snakes Keep pets indoors during the monsoon season Immediately inform certified wildlife rescue organizations Install proper fencing for societies bordering forested areas Also Read | Tennessee hiker dies after venomous timber rattlesnake bite; experts urge snake safety precautions for hikers
