Designed to Protect

Anonymity is designed to protect, but what happens when anonymity is used to protect a select group, but not others? What can be done? @uc_confessions is a private, social account that invites Union College student confessions. The profile claims: “Everything is Anonymous” and “get anything off your chest,” sounds promising, however the profile continues, “or dm us the tea.” The tea. This is an online gossip account, without a face, anonymity protects the individual running the account and the “confessor” but no-one else. That’s weighted. I’ve witnessed students, primarily my female students, infuriated over the damage it can cause; essentially, anyone can DM anything, whether it’s true or not, and trash a student’s reputation in one post, with no consequences or accountability. What can one do? I sought the advice of my pastor and his guidance was simple. Ignore uc_confessions. Fundamentally, that extends the protection of anonymity to everyone. Just like wearing masks, 80% participation is required for it to work. Therefore, if you currently follow uc_confessions, consider reporting it under “bullying or harassment” and then tap “unfollow/block,” and as my pastor said, “if you don’t follow uc_confessions, don’t.”

-Anonymous Professor