As most University students are studying for finals, the dawning of the new millennium is approaching, and speculation about what is really going to happen worries many across the country.
But at the University, most students do not seem to be too concerned about the Y2K frenzy.
The Y2K concern stems from computer systems that may not recognize “00” as 2000, instead reading it as 1900.
“I don’t think anything’s going to happen. It won’t affect anything,” LSA senior Nick Yeager said.
Many others agree, saying that the Y2K ordeal is blown out of proportion.
Engineering junior Dawn O’Sullivan also expressed concern for those who are over-anxious.
“I think it’s a big scare, and people are too paranoid,” she said.
Engineering junior Regina Bousson added, “maybe if we are lucky our grades will get wiped out,” to which O’Sullivan followed, “maybe we will just get 4.0’s for everything.”
Others blame the possible panic on the media.
“It’s all about the media playing off on uneducated people’s fears,” said Engineering senior Scott Jackson.
“I’m not worried about it, and I am a computer engineer – planes aren’t going to fall out of the sky, and anything that is screwed up is going to be able to be corrected,” Jackson said.
LSA junior George Day also said he believes Y2K is merely a hoax.
“I think it is overblown to the extent that media and businesses have capitalized on it, because a lot of people don’t know anything about computers,” he said.
Some students said they are leaving it up to their family members to worry about the craze. “I’m not worried, but my mom has bottled water and food saved up,” LSA sophomore Jenna Williams said.