Elysia Christodoulopoulos, News Editor

As a third-year student, you would expect that I would know the ins and outs of the school. I should know when events are happening, where to go, and how to get involved. The reality? I never know anything that is happening—at least not until after it happens. And it’s not because I’m disengaged—it’s because Bishop’s has tied communication too closely to social media.

Graphic courtesy of Gabby Lalonde

Yes, I know about “The Dish,” the weekly newsletter that arrives in our inboxes. But let’s be honest: it doesn’t do the job. The information there is flat, minimal, and often lacking the energy that makes people want to engage. Meanwhile, Instagram stories and posts are full of bright graphics, clear dates, and catchy captions that grab attention. The problem seems to be that if you’re not on Instagram, you’re out of the loop.

Trust me, I resisted making a social media account for a long time. Like many students, I worry about screen time and the endless scroll that eats away at anyone’s mental health. But eventually, the anxiety of not knowing what was happening on campus pushed me to cave in. Now, I have an Instagram account that follows more than 50 Bishop’s-related pages—from student clubs to official departments—all just to stay informed. That’s not staying connected; that’s being cornered.

There’s something troubling about a university that effectively requires students to use social media if they want to be involved in campus life. Not everyone wants an Instagram account and quite frankly, Bishop’s communication strategy feels exclusive. It assumes that everyone is equally comfortable navigating digital spaces, and it leaves behind those, like me, who aren’t.

Would I recommend that “The Dish” be reimagined? Absolutely. It could easily borrow the strengths of social media without forcing students to join platforms they might not want to be on. Like adding more air to the presentation with visuals, graphics, and even short video clips to be more engaging. It would also be helpful to include as much information as the BU official page does online.

I would be lying if I said this is not just about convenience, because in reality, it is. It is definitely more convenient to find information all in one spot. But it is also about equity. Students who opt out of social media shouldn’t be excluded from campus life. Of course, I acknowledge that, in a digital age, social media can still be a tool for outreach, but there needs to be a better balance.

Forcing students onto Instagram may keep likes and followers high, but it leaves too many students behind. We deserve a system where being part of the Bishop’s community doesn’t mean surrendering our digital boundaries—which unfortunately I have.