Rock Bottom?

[GreekOne]

I do think the advent of social media has adversely impacted the Greek experience. The move from kegs to hard liquor has made the drinking culture far more dangerous.

I can't explain or understand the phenomenon of hazing and alcohol related deaths. I wasn't hazed. The fraternity men that I knew that were did stupid, silly stuff but nothing that was life threatening. I sometimes wonder if this, like the tiers, is tied to videos or stories shared on social media. Do these kids feel like they need to outdo each other? I can't explain what is driving it. But, I am concerned about the future.

The campuses that my kids are on have collectively seen literally dozens of chapters closed in the past few years. Are administrators just more aggressive about enforcement because of the PR nightmare or are the chapters really engaging in far riskier behavior? Either way, it is concerning.

[33girl]

The worst thing that ever happened was outlawing kegs, in much the same way that Prohibition had people drinking things that weren’t really drinkable.

Originally Posted by GreekOne

I sometimes wonder if this, like the tiers, is tied to videos or stories shared on social media. Do these kids feel like they need to outdo each other? I can't explain what is driving it. But, I am concerned about the future.

You hit the nail on the head. It’s all about the insta, seeing and being seen. And it often has zero to do with feeling part of a group.

Look at some of the sorority chapter instagrams - they have dozens of pictures of women doing nothing remotely related to the sorority - what’s most important is if the picture is cute. And half the time they are solo shots, with no sisters nearby.

[Rod D]

Originally Posted by GreekOne

I do think the advent of social media has adversely impacted the Greek experience. The move from kegs to hard liquor has made the drinking culture far more dangerous.

I can't explain or understand the phenomenon of hazing and alcohol related deaths. I wasn't hazed. The fraternity men that I knew that were did stupid, silly stuff but nothing that was life threatening. I sometimes wonder if this, like the tiers, is tied to videos or stories shared on social media. Do these kids feel like they need to outdo each other? I can't explain what is driving it. But, I am concerned about the future.

The campuses that my kids are on have collectively seen literally dozens of chapters closed in the past few years. Are administrators just more aggressive about enforcement because of the PR nightmare or are the chapters really engaging in far riskier behavior? Either way, it is concerning.

Yes, the move from beer to hard liquor, especially flavored these days, is a problem not just in Greek Life. HS kids now put flavored vodka in water bottles and the adults don't even suspect anything out of the ordinary.

The hazing and alcohol related deaths are usually accidents (which doesn't make it right or acceptable). It's usually some "event" and the new members pass a bottle around. They may even be encouraged by the "brothers" to do it. (In my experience it has never been forced.) Things spiral out of control and bad decisions get worse.

There is now a move to ban hard liquor in houses by both the national organization and the schools. Probably a good first step. Second thing is many houses have done away with the "events" and the alcohol that goes with them. Once they do that, they have made big strides to having a safe new member experience.