Thanks to the emergence of email, text messaging and social media, sending love letters has become a thing of the past. However, students at Stony Brook University are using Facebook to revive this antiquated tradition.

“#173 the short blonde haired asian girl who works at the front desk of usg who is seriously so cute :>”  reads one of over a hundred posts found on the page, Stony Brook Admirers 4.

The Facebook page allows people to confess their feelings without the fear of being publicly humiliated or rejected. Through a Google form at the top of the page, anyone can submit messages to the page anonymously. The “about me” section warns against offensive content and says it will not be posted.

Steven White, a senior biology and psychology major, created the Stony Brook Admirers 4 page in 2017, but the idea isn’t new to Stony Brook.

“The original page was created back in 2011 or 2012 but it died out after a while due to graduates not passing it down, hence the number 4,” White said. “The page is one hundred percent anonymous so I’m not even sure who has sent submissions.”

White created the page because he loved the concept of being able to anonymously reach out to someone you were too shy to approach.

“Even if nothing comes of it, it’s something that will brighten someone’s day,” White said.

While most of the posts describe the person by physical attributes, not all omit names. Quite a few mention people directly.

“#165 Jen Labombard I wish you’d notice me. You’re so beautiful, and have such a wonderful personality.”

LaBombard, a senior health science major, was tagged by a friend in the post and says the shout out was a pleasant surprise, but thinks the page is better for crushing on strangers.

“When you’re mentioned by name you kind of just wonder why they didn’t just approach you directly,” LaBombard said. “Maybe just introduce yourself first and take it from there?”

Chris Oliveri, a former Stony Brook Undergraduate student, and currently a non-matric graduate student has known about the admirer’s pages for years and has followed each. Despite this, he has never shouted out anyone on the Facebook page before and doesn’t believe he ever would.

“Most people misjudge whether people like them or not, I won’t be one of those people,” Oliveri said.

Oliveri denies the notion that he’s worried about embarrassing himself, rather he attributes his hesitation to mention someone because of his age.

“In a liberal school like SBU, as soon as you’re over 25, people all around are against you showing interest in return.”

Oliveri’s interest in Stony Brook Admirers 4 isn’t just because he hopes to see his name one day, he also appreciates the large number of girls posting about guys on the page and thinks more should reach out in person.

“I think in general if girls like guys as well, they should approach too, we’re all equals.”

Oliveri’s skepticism doesn’t apply to all. White himself shouts people out from time to time.

“Of course, I’ve used the page to my own advantage!” White said. “Even if not to expect anything of it, it can be nice to say something to make someone smile without making any friendships weird or awkward.”

Despite’s the page’s complete animosity White isn’t against helping someone get in contact with the person who shouted them out.

“I’d definitely try and help anyone who really liked the comment to get in touch with the author anyway that I could.”