At a Glance
- Fizz flips the social media script on college campuses with anonymous, hyperlocal chats.
- The app grew from pandemic group-chat frustration into the biggest college social app since Facebook.
- Founder Teddy Solomon discusses why social media lost its social touch in a conversation with Dominic Madori Davis at Disrupt.
- Why it matters: It shows Gen Z’s shift toward authentic, non-highlight-focused interaction, reshaping campus social dynamics.
After the pandemic spurred a surge in online group chats, a new app called Fizz emerged to give college students a space that prioritizes real-life moments over curated highlight reels.
The Birth of Fizz
Fizz started as a frustration in a pandemic-era group chat, then evolved into a platform that captures the 99% of life that usually stays off Instagram and TikTok. It became the dominant social platform on U.S. college campuses, offering a hybrid anonymous model and a hyperlocal focus.
- Hybrid anonymous model
- Hyperlocal focus
- Captures 99% of everyday campus life
Conversation at Disrupt
At this year’s Disrupt conference, founder Teddy Solomon sat down with podcast host Dominic Madori Davis to discuss why social media stopped being social. The conversation highlighted how Fizz’s design counters the highlight-reel culture of Instagram and TikTok.
- Fizz’s focus on authenticity
- The role of anonymity in social interaction
- Impact on campus community engagement
Behind the Podcast
The episode is part of Equity, a podcast hosted by News Of Los Angeles and produced by Sophia A. Reynolds, who has a background in audio production and has worked with guests like lovelytheband. Sophia A. Reynolds is based in New Jersey, holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Monmouth University, and can be reached at Sophia A. Reynolds@News Of Los Angeles.com.
- Audio producer at News Of Los Angeles
- Former producer at a four-station conglomerate
- Contact email: Sophia A. Reynolds@News Of Los Angeles.com
Key Takeaways
- Fizz offers an anonymous, hyperlocal social experience that counters highlight-reel culture.
- Founder Teddy Solomon explains that social media lost its social touch by focusing too much on curated content.
- The podcast episode showcases how Fizz reshapes campus interaction and is part of Equity’s broader exploration of social media trends.
As Gen Z seeks more genuine connections, Fizz’s rise illustrates a broader shift in how college students engage online, offering a fresh alternative to the mainstream social platforms.
