“Lily Waldron, you are just so special in so many ways, whether it’s singing, acting, or academics. The world is so fortunate to have someone like you.”
“David Ganjei looks hot in green.”
“Deb Holman is great at making speeches.”
Whether they are short and sweet sentiments or comical commendations, the Facebook page Brookline Compliments overflows with praise daily. According to its creator, who wishes to remain anonymous, the goal of Brookline Compliments is to spread positivity.
Brookline Compliments “is a page where you can send in compliments about anyone at Brookline High School,” according to its description page.
The Brookline page is part of a national trend in compliment Facebook pages started for high schools and universities alike. Since Brookline Compliments’ Facebook debut on Dec. 9, 2012, the page has added over 800 users as friends and posted over 100 anonymous compliments.
The creator of Brookline Compliments said that the page was started after four other Brookline Compliments pages were made and then promptly deleted.
“I thought, ‘if I wanted this to happen, why don’t I just make one myself?” the page creator said. “I have friends from other schools and communities that have compliments pages, and everyone seems so enthusiastic and genuinely honored to be complemented. I figured I could bring that to the Brookline community.”
Since its Facebook appearance, the page has been received well by users, according to the page creator.
“A lot of people were really excited to receive anonymous compliments, which made me feel like the time spent running the page was worth it,” the page creator said. “I’ve gotten a few thank you’s for running the page, but people mostly comment ‘thank you anonymous person’ on the compliment to thank whoever wrote the compliment for them.”
However, not everyone thinks these compliment pages are all good.
“I think it’s a cute idea, but I can see how it could be both a good idea and a bad idea,” junior Naomi Liss said. “It’s nice if you get a bunch of compliments, but if you don’t get a ton, and you’re just watching other people get them, I can see how it could make one feel bad.”
Associate Dean Anthony Meyer also said he sees both pros and cons in a page like Brookline Compliments.
“Brookline Compliments sounds like a positive site,” he said. “But there is some danger in anonymity. When I look at a site like Formspring, which has raised concerns in the past, some of its posts are very disturbing. If it is used with good intentions, I can envision Brookline Compliments being a positive tool.”
According to its creator, Brookline Compliments will remove any posts that are offensive to the receiving party.
Senior Zev Fogelman said he thinks this element of the page makes it safer than other anonymous feedback sites.
“It’s a cool way to see what people think of me in a controlled setting,” he said. “Because it’s only compliments, there are no insults. It’s like a healthier version of Formspring.”
All things considered, the Brookline Compliments creator’s favorite thing about the page is that it helps bring joy to students in the school community.
“It’s amazing to see how honored and happy people are when they receive a really nice and thoughtful compliment,” the page creator said. “That’s the best part.”
Miriam El-Baz and Sam Martel can be contacted at [email protected].
