UMD Bathroom Review’s Instagram account (@umdbathroomreviews) started posting on Sept. 15 2019 and has recently gained popularity with the account now having over 1,000 followers keeping up with her bathroom reviews and ratings at UMD. She has become quite the trendsetter as her content inspired many new similar accounts, overall creating a unique sense of community for UMD students.

As an anonymous UMD student, her reputation as an initiator on Instagram reviewing has influenced many new accounts, such as the UMD Men’s Bathroom Review’s account (@umdmensbathroomreviews), which even credits her in their bio.

“People from other campuses like Superior and Mankato have contacted me to use my idea,” the UMD Bathroom Reviewer said.

An idea that was original to her is now blasting off on this platform. The growing numbers of followers are beyond her wildest dreams.

“I get all these comments and dms,” UMD Bathroom Reviewer said. “I did not anticipate people would care that much. It’s just fun to do and I think it’s really funny that it has taken off like this.”

Katherine Kalmon. Photo Courtesy of Christyna Yang.

The fascination of her account lies in her content being interlaced with her sense of humor. An active supporter, Katherine Kalmon, a senior at UMD majoring in communications, clicked that follow button because it was the exact type of nonsense she needed.

“The fact it made something so mundane worth reviewing is absolutely hilarious,” Kalmon said. “Now it’s gotten me thinking about doing a bathroom bucket list. It’s wholesome. It’s wholesome content.”

Aleya Reineke. Photo Courtesy by Christyna Yang.

The UMD Bathroom Reviewer may be influencing students’ bathroom choices but mostly, is creating a sense of community at UMD. Aleya Reineke, who’s a sophomore at UMD majoring in civil engineering, feels a sense of connection and pride to the account. “She’s representing UMD in a good way. It’s something that’s fun and we can all relate to,” Reineke said.

This enthusiasm for a newfound sense of community is mutual for Kalmon.

“It’s a unifying factor between everybody here at this school,” Kalmon said. “Everybody here at some point has gone into a UMD bathroom and was like this is the worst. I think that her idea behind creating something so simple but so accurate unifies the UMD population.”

Instagram as a platform is effective in that its layout is meant for pictures and commentary, but more importantly, it’s a social media platform that reaches college students. “It’s where the people are at.” the UMD Bathroom Reviewer said. Reineke’s most used social media being Instagram, feels that it’s popular and engaging.

“The aesthetic has lots of potential I think especially for this because they can show multiple pictures, and give a short description,” Reineke said. “There’s a wide audience of people who use it so it can reach a lot of people.”

Despite of the account’s growing reputation, she remains anonymous. “You know it’s easier that way. When you don’t tie your name to it, it’s a lot more than someone’s personal project.” the Bathroom Reviewer said.

However, her followers are torn between enjoying her stature and wanting to know her identity. “I think it’s hilarious because she could literally be anyone in the halls,” Kalmon said. Her evasiveness keeps her followers on their toes and interested.

“I think definitely followers will like to know who it is, but once you know who it is, the secret’s out,” Reineke said. “But also, that could add to the fun of it because we don’t know who it is.”

Bathroom Pictures that are not Selfies: @umdbathroomreviews Makes it Big