The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Bianchini: Stalking not so cute

Facebook stalking: We’re all guilty of it. But there’s a fine line between creeping on your crush and needing a restraining order put in place because of your slightly terrifying hobby.

The newest addition to the Facebook world and the newest form of Facebook stalking seems to be the University of Iowa Secret Admirers’ page. Like the University of Iowa Confessions’ page, Facebook users are able to anonymously submit posts containing their titillating secrets.

However, the admirers’ page is solely for announcing that crush you have on the cutie in one of your classes. Yet what might start off seeming sweet generally ends up sounding creepy.

Basically, people need to either man up and admit their feelings in person or spill their heart out in a diary. Pretty much anything but post it online.

UI freshman Kenzie Krueger has been one of the so-called lucky subjects to have a post dedicated to her on this page. Yet, she said, she didn’t feel so lucky.

“I just felt really awkward,” she said. “I had no idea who it was or even who it could have been, because I’m just kind of working on my school work and don’t notice anyone around me.”

Yet the person who posted about Krueger seemed to know who she was. One word: unnerving.

This kind of unwanted attention can actually have a negative effect, too. Those who are stalked — or even just being watched by someone — can have psychological effects. Eighty-three percent of people suffered from anxiety, and 74 percent suffer from sleep disturbance, according to the New England Journal of Medicine.

So if you’re really feeling like letting it all on the table, do it in person. And if that doesn’t work, try handing your crush a piece of paper that says “Do you like me? Check yes or no” and pray to Cupid the person checks yes.

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