Its two admins, who each post under pseudonyms ‘Cosmo’ and ‘Coors,’ noted that the page was inspired by a similar account at the University of Michigan, “UMich Incellectuals.”

“It started out as just making and reposting memes about MSU,” said admin Cam Carmichael, who graduated last spring with a degree in studio art and LGBT studies. “But it was also a way to support community and camaraderie between students.”

MSU Incellectuals largely became inactive after Carmichael’s graduation, but its story remains active, continuing to post university-centered memes and commentary. 

Although much of the content pokes fun at MSU and East Lansing as a whole, it also sheds light on political issues that students are passionate about. The account has just over 1,200 followers, and while the admins note the fanbase is not as big as other student-run accounts, they feel that having a politically charged account that can still appeal to college students is important. 

“We have become way more politically active—we see this account as an artistic and silly way to fight fascism,” said graphic design senior Matt Magill, MSU Incellectual’s other admin. 

The account has posted on numerous occasions to address issues like immigration, LGBT representation and even the university’s history of rape culture. 

The university has had a long history of scandals around sexual assault, including Larry Nassar, former football head coach Mel Tucker, and controversies associated with campus fraternities, as The State News previously reported on.

Carmichael spent two years leading the Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence (SARV) training, which all students are required to attend. They said the normalization of unhealthy relationships and sexual assault on campus should be addressed, especially by those producing content geared towards students. 

“All art is political, and even something as unserious as a meme account is art,” Magill added. “If we don’t casually talk about issues, it just furthers injustice.”

Magil also said having a smaller account allows for more freedom of expression to address important issues, as opposed to larger student-run accounts such as MSU Chicks. 

MSU Chicks, a direct affiliate of Barstool Sports, has amassed over 37,000 followers since its start in 2020, and like MSU Incellectuals, it is run exclusively by students. According to Barstool’s guidelines, affiliate marketing accounts, including those run by university students, are to stay moderate, so admins are fairly limited in voicing political views and opinions.  

As a result, MSU Chicks primarily posts content on the rivalry between MSU and the University of Michigan, pop culture, partying on and off campus, and common frustrations with the university. 

Carmichael said having an account that is more focused on students rather than upholding a brand like Barstool allows for more open discussion.  

MSU Chicks currently only has one admin, broadcast journalism and social relations and policy senior Grace Oluwole, who said that although she is very vocal about her personal beliefs, having an account representing a brand makes it difficult to address important issues. 

“Appealing to such a vast audience while still maintaining a brand and following guidelines is something I have been forced to get better at,” Oluwole said. 

MSU Chicks has faced backlash a few times, including posting about skipping the required Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct (RVSM) training, which MSU Incellectuals was quick to call out.

The account also drew backlash for its infamous “Makeout Monday” posts, which shared videos of students making out at parties and bars — a tradition that was banned in 2023 for violating Instagram's guidelines. Additionally, the account faced criticism for a post expressing frustration over the Starbucks on Grand River closing, which some viewed as supporting the company amid controversy over its possible ties to Israel.

While Oluwole has only been running the account for a year, she noted that she tries her best to consider how posts could be potentially harmful or offensive.

“Having such a large audience means being conscious of different beliefs and opinions,” Oluwole said. “But the end of the day, it's all satire, and I just want to post fun things that students can relate to.”