Student Privacy Takes Center Stage Amid Faculty Election Campaigns

Oladele Robiat Mopelola

As the faculty election draws near, the topic of student privacy has become a heated discussion. Many students have expressed concerns over their contact details being used without permission for political campaigns. The practice of sending unsolicited broadcast messages (BCs) to create awareness and familiarity has become commonplace, but it has also sparked debates about privacy and boundaries.

Broadcast messages, while designed to ease the stress of reaching a large audience, have been criticized for intruding on personal space. Students have reported feeling uncomfortable as their contacts are shared without consent and their inboxes flooded with campaign messages. This issue is particularly distressing for new students unfamiliar with campus politics, who often feel overwhelmed by the sudden influx of messages.

It has become a common strategy among students running for political posts to send BCs to their peers, believing it helps build connections and garner support. However, this approach has raised questions about the sanctity of personal privacy. For many students, especially first-year (100-level) students, the unsolicited messages feel intrusive, leaving them frustrated and unsure of how their contact details were obtained.

While some students see BC messages as a practical communication tool, others view them as opportunistic and insincere. The lack of prior interaction between candidates and recipients often makes these messages feel forced and unwelcome, eroding their intended purpose of fostering familiarity.

The issue has sparked diverse opinions among students:

Bankole Elijah Oluwaseun, a 400-level History student, expressed his frustration with BC messages: “For me, the idea of intrusion or not depends on the relationship we share. Some people who never engage with me suddenly start sending messages during election periods. It feels insincere and opportunistic. Without prior interaction, their attempts at familiarity feel like an unwarranted intrusion, reducing the credibility of their message. I believe boundaries should be respected, and genuine relationships built before such campaigns.”

Idowu Precious Babosha, a 200-level ASSE student, shared a more nuanced perspective:
“I’d say it depends. It depends on the mood the message meets me in, the quality of the graphic (if there’s one), and how catchy the write-up is. But honestly, I’d most likely find it annoying.”

Bello Kehinde David, a 100-level History student, acknowledged the efficiency of BC messages but emphasized the need for consideration:
“Broadcast messages can efficiently share information with a large audience, but individual preferences and privacy should be respected. Candidates must ensure their messages are meaningful and relevant. While some may view these messages as intrusive, others might appreciate the personal connection. Ultimately, it’s about respecting boundaries.”

Ayorinde Olayode John, a 100-level Religious Studies student, saw the practice differently:
“I don’t see it as an intrusion of privacy. It’s just a way to send messages to many people at once.”

Meanwhile, Akinteye AbdulRahman, a 100-level History student, voiced his annoyance:
“Sure, it’s an intrusion of privacy. About 10 people send messages, and I don’t even know where most of them got my number. Sometimes I ignore it and let them do what they want; other times, I just block it out completely.”

As the election week approaches, it’s clear that the practice of sending BC messages remains divisive. While some students appreciate the practicality, others see it as a violation of their personal space. The growing discontent highlights the need for a more respectful and strategic approach to campaigning.

Candidates should consider building genuine connections with their peers and obtaining permission before sending messages. Striking a balance between effective communication and respect for privacy could enhance their credibility and foster more positive engagement with the student body.

Ultimately, respecting boundaries and tailoring messages to be meaningful and relevant will go a long way in ensuring that campaigns achieve their intended purpose without alienating their audience.