Okay, so I’m usually not one to put my two cents in on anything pertaining laws, bills, etc., but when it gets in the way of my love for social media, I have a few things to say. Apparently, until last January, it was legal for companies and prospective employers to ask for -and use- passwords of prospective employees’ social media sites. And not only this, but universities were allowed to ask for the same from prospective students. All I can say is blasphemy!
My dad is constantly telling me to monitor what I share on my social media sites (Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram), but only because we heard from a family friend that his company checks out prospective employees on these sites to see how professional they are. Never did I think that companies would be able to ask for (and borderline DEMAND!) something so private as a password.
I will agree with my father that people, especially my generation, should be cautious of what we post online. I’ve heard that the internet is a elephant- it never forgets! The generation of twenty-somethings is infamously known for having the best times. But I would never want a picture from a night out to cost me my dream job. I think that companies have the right to search us online because if we are putting all of this stuff on the web for people to look at, we should be prepared for this. But never did I sign up in acceptance of someone being able to look at my personal messages, etc. and basing a character judgement on that.
I think this whole “checking everyone out on Facebook” is also a fluid subject and based on different positions. As a student pursuing a career in Public Relations, as I apply to internships based around social media with companies, it makes sense that they would want my Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram link because it’s basically a self reference. I do not think positions based around Engineering or Biology should require the same demands.
Fueled by the fire that is this debate, I have been looking online (ironic) for more information on this subject. I found a site called The Next Web, basically a news site for anything pertaining to social media and the WorldWide Web. In April, they posted an article with percentages relating to companies “checking you out” on Facebook. If their math is right, only twelve percent of employers that use Facebook to look up candidates use it to find reasons to not hire. Definitely a reassuring number. I’ll say one thing though, I am ecstatic that my hometown state was the first to pass a law against the use of personal passwords for hiring research. Keep Calm and Post On.
1 comment:
I think it is uncomfortable and outrageous that a company would ask for a prospective employee's Facebook password. Yes, we should all be careful in regards to what we post online for everyone to see, but isn't that enough? Why should I be subjected to the possibility of an employer violating my privacy by checking personal messages and account settings? We shouldn't, and I completely agree with you that I wouldn't want anyone being able to look at my personal account, and basing their evaluation of my character on that. In addition to Maryland, Illinois and California have passed laws restricting employers from asking for an individuals Facebook password. Washington D.C based attorney Bradley Sheer explained the new laws protecting individuals as: "Common sense for both privacy and litigation perspectives". I agree with Mr. Sheer, and I believe that states should be acting quicker on getting these laws passed. Passwords mean privacy, and from youth we are taught to keep our passwords to ourselves. Now, all of a sudden potential employers are scanning our personal lives for something not even available to the public that they may not like. Keep Calm and Post On? I sure will.
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