The Bona’s-centric Twitter account, Bonnies Confessions, @BonniesConfess, is still popular and going strong after three weeks, but our campus community hasn’t been made any better for it.
For those unaware, Bonnies Confessions allows anyone to post anonymous comments about experiences or people at St. Bonaventure. The account has ballooned in followers, gathering some 850 in its short existence.
While Bonnies Confessions sounds like a fun idea in theory. At the outset, there were a few zany stories about parties gone wrong, but what it has devolved into speaks a lot about our student culture. And it doesn’t have much good to say about us.
The content of the account reflects pettiness, vanity, disrespect and an overwhelming creepiness. In a few short weeks, we’ve been treated to personal attacks, rumor-mongering, dozens of objectifying comments and the occasional warfare between classes. Add the lens of anonymity, and we can add cowardice to the list of vices.
For example, when the men’s swimming and diving team took home their second consecutive Atlantic 10 championship in February, several took to the account to criticize the team for not participating in a “real sport.” Instead of congratulating the squad for a well-earned victory, some chose to disparage it behind a veil of anonymity. I doubt the folks behind these particular confessions would have the courage to say that to the team’s face.
Additionally, there are frequently battles between classes over why the other one “sucks.” Usually this stems from arguments that freshmen are partying too hard or seniors aren’t throwing enough “bangers.” We all love the warm, fuzzy feeling we get from terms and phrases like “BonaPride,” “WolfPack” and “Once a Bonnie, always a Bonnie,” but the account doesn’t reflect that solidarity.
Then of course, there’s the countless examples of reducing both male and female students to certain parts of their anatomy or past sexual encounters. A disconcerting mix of vanity and creepiness is present here, and nobody at the school is made any better for it.
Additionally, given the small size of our campus, attaching rumors to names, even if it’s just first names and last initials, is harmful. It’s important to remember that our university email system essentially gives us a directory of each student enrolled; those interested could very easily figure out who is being referenced.
The anonymous creators of the account shouldn’t be held wholly accountable for the sort of stupidity that has been posted. Shooting the tweeter is rarely good policy. While they ultimately post the comments, they’ve been willing to take down offensive tweets at request and blocking ones they consider too obscene.
Rather, the responsibility lies with us to repair the image that’s been created. Those interested in submitting to the page ought to take a “do no harm” approach. If submitting a confession would damage someone’s credibility or reputation, don’t post it. If submitting a confession would make someone feel unsafe or uncomfortable on campus, don’t post it. If submitting a confession would kick off a meaningless, mean-spirited debate, don’t post it.
If this simple formula is followed, the account could be an amusing distraction about some of the funnier happenings at St. Bonaventure and not a damning portrait of student life.
If it isn’t, may Bonnies Confessions follow the trajectory of BonaMemes and BonaCrushes and face a speedy demise.
Kevin Rogers is the editor-in-chief for The Bona Venture. His email is rogerskd10@bonaventure.edu.
