By Monika Spacilova
Facebook page Murdoch Confessions attracts more than 40 confessional posts a day – but not the kind you might expect to hear in a church.
Tell-all: A student taps into “Murdoch Confessions,” a free platform for students to anonymously express themselves.
The online forum, which allows Murdoch University students to post remarks about their lives on-and-off campus, has been criticised for publishing hateful comments.
While The Bounce was unable to confirm the identities of those running the controversial site, the administrators admit that they do publish racist remarks at times.
“We try and filter out hateful and racist comments. But at times I will allow an extremely racist comment to get posted because I know it will get backlash,” says one of the four administrators who wishes to stay anonymous.
“On the other hand, this post may also receive over a 100 positive comments,” they add.
A former student started Murdoch Confessions in 2013, as a free and safe environment for students to discuss their concerns and happenings around campus. It has evolved into a social media site with almost 10,000 students active on the forum.
Discretion is key, the administrator says. “This is a free platform for students and all the posts are anonymous, so no names are posted,” he said.
Guild President Louis Williams says it’s all just a bit of fun.
“It allows students to have a place where they can express themselves. Obviously, this doesn’t mean Murdoch Confessions is inherently good, but it is inherently fun,” Mr Williams says.
“I think it’s great as it allows us to know what students want, even if they are ripping on the guild. I know Murdoch Confessions now censors some posts and removes certain posts.”