Loyno Confessions became a campus sensation overnight, reaching over 1,000 likes within a few days.

The Facebook page was created by an anonymous source on Feb. 21 and features confessions submitted by Loyola students, ranging from criminal acts to crushes on teachers.

“I was inspired by the Tulane Confessions page,” the creator said. “I felt that Loyola students needed an outlet for their anonymous confessions, too.”

Dittmar Dittrich, professor of religious studies, has been mentioned on the page. He said that he doesn’t have a problem about what was said about him on the page since it was in a positive light. He feels the page is a reflection of what college students already do; it’s the same gossip, yet in a public forum, and the anonymity adds intrigue.

“It’s what students would do anyway. If it’s edited, then I think it’s okay, but if it spins out of control, then you have issues,” Dittrich said.

The page creator said that posts confessing immoral acts are what draw students to the page.

“I never realized that so many Loyola students behaved in certain ways,” the creator said. “I don’t condone the illegal activities, nor do I participate in them personally. Students obviously need to uphold the standards of the law and Loyola regulations, but confessing them anonymously isn’t hurting anyone.”

Kyle Locascio, criminal justice junior, has been mentioned on the page as well. He thinks that the confessions are humorous.

“I feel exactly the same way I felt before Loyno Confessions was made, though I am weary of campus now because apparently every thing has been peed on,” Locascio said.

Locascio said the page showcases the crazy things students do around campus. He said the page is also useful for students to say things they normally wouldn’t say.

“Some of the posts aren’t just for laughs,” Locascio said. “Some people are getting pretty real, and good for them for doing so. It’s therapeutic, I suppose.”

Eric Walsh, administrative assistant at the Jesuit Center, said he doesn’t mind what has been written about him on the page. Although he hasn’t seen the page, he has advice for the students posting.

“Your value is based on who you know you are, not what others may say or think about you, whether positively or negatively,” Walsh said. “For those posting, I think you have to be careful about what you post because it is a public forum, and I believe all posts should still be respectful of those spoken about and other parties included.”

The page creator said the page is regulated so it does not embarrass anyone.

“If I see a confession about someone and they clearly used a name and it is humiliating, I don’t find it as funny, but more along the lines of rude,” the creator said. “If they include names or personal descriptions and are used in a negative way, I either take out the names or description or I won’t post them at all.”

The creator had something to say to students who confess to having trouble on campus and may feel lonely.

“If you need someone to talk to, message me,” the creator said. “I’ll be as helpful as I can. A lot of the students are giving positive feedback to the anonymous confessions in a comment, which I feel will make a difference to the anonymous person.”

For those students who have been mentioned and have a problem with what was said, the page creator said to send a message about the post.

“I think if they find it to be harmless and fun to laugh at, then it’s okay,” the creator said. “If they are personally offended and it gives away their identity, I want them to know that we can remove it if they wish.”

The creator said the page will stay running as long as possible. The students are what keep the pagegoing.

“I’d like to continuously run the page until I leave Loyola, but the content comes from student submissions,” the creator said. “I’ve recently begun collaborating with another person to help with the posting and take some of the workload off. It’s just too demanding for one person to post as often as the readers would like.”

Locascio congratulated the anonymous creator.

“Props to the creator for the page,” Locascio said. “He or she has funny comments about certain posts. It got pretty popular really quick.”

Lauren Hinojosa can be reached at [email protected]