Click, follow, like, confess, and complain. That’s the Instagram page well known amongst the UTEP population known as UTEP Confess (@utepconfess).
With more than three thousand followers as of the writing of this piece, the page content can range from student’s intimate confessions, complaints about the school building and classes in general, to very helpful tips such as student resources that are available and other personal experiences on campus.
It is no secret among UTEP students and staff, UTEP Confess (@utepconfess) has brought on a lot of discussion between staff and students regarding the engagement on the account.
Most of their engagement can be seen on the account’s Instagram stories, as stories are submitted by students anonymously by a link on the accounts page. The content posted is sometimes intimate and contains profanity language, students even respond back with their own opinions.
To some the nature of these stories can be controversial since the page is not affiliated with the university and there is less moderation with the topics they post.
On the other hand, students at UTEP may have different opinions about the account.
Some agree that it is important for students to have a space to raise their concerns, opinions regarding the university and to share gossip. While others think the platform allows people to spread unnecessary drama with the intention to hurt people and false news.
EPCC student Michelle Flores gives her opinion on this certain subject.
“It’s a good thing it’s anonymous, it allows students to see other students’ experiences, and allows them to breathe since there won’t be any retaliation brought upon the person with opinion,” Flores said.
While the page is anonymous, UTEP student Kayla Eulloqui shared her concerns about the moderation of the page and how the page can affect the university reputation.
“It’s good to have somewhere to vent, though there needs to be some type of control as it can help or hurt others,” Eulloqui said. “Having UTEP on the title can put the university on the spotlight.”
However, senior Pablo Gallegos thinks the page can reflect the student body’s opinion of the school.
“It shows what people might actually be thinking. While funny, it does have its concern,” Gallegos said.
Personally, I can see why the staff at UTEP are worried about this account since some of the confessions are intimate and it could put UTEP in a bad light. However, I do think it’s important for students to express their opinions about campus and their personal experiences.
I do think there has to be a clear distinction between a student run account and a university affiliated one. Though “utepconfess” claims to not be affiliated with the university, having the title of our school could confuse some people.
“They (the university) could go through everything, seeing the complains it can give them an idea as to what to fix and where to put their attention more,” Flores said. “It can be a tool for the university itself, from fixing campus to updating the education.”
Katy Ruiz is a contributor and may be reached at [email protected]
