Gossip site JuicyCampus.com faces student backlash

The law doesn't seem to have caught up with the evolving concept of online defamation yet, so internet service providers and websites are generally not responsible for the content that their users post. There are many valid reasons for that legal approach, but the website JuicyCampus.com stretches the credibility of this concept. The website's sole reason for existence is to serve as a portal for anonymous gossip, spreading rumor, sexual defamation, homophobia, anti-Semitism, and racism at colleges across the country.

In the era of cyberbullying tragedies, it's depressing to think that a site like this passes for entertainment.

The good news is that a backlash has emerged from students themselves, who are beginning to realize that just because you can say something, doesn't mean you should. I would love to see consumer pressure strike a blow for decency and common sense, without having to invoke legal action or government regulation. It will be interesting to see whether the company's bubble pops on its own.

JuicyCampus.com was started by Duke University grad Matt Ivester. He gives overprivileged college students everywhere a bad name. I don't know anything about his personal background, but it is sad to think of a spot at Duke going to someone who couldn't come up with better use for his prestigious education.