When I first started getting into social media, around 2002 with mySpace, I didn't take it that seriously. As a matter of fact I don't think most people did. Most my information was silly and messages were infrequent and superficial. But as social media progressed through the years, it has grown up.
You now have to worry who is taking pictures of you doing what because they might end up on Facebook. From a career prospective, this has to be taken seriously. Some jobs that I have applied for have asked for access to my Facebook account, or any other social media accounts I have. It's alarming to me how my social life can now effect my career.
Some people actually say you need to develop two identities in social media. One for business and one for pleasure. Some of your friends might post something you find inappropriate about your boss and that's the last thing people need to see. And quite honestly, half of them are not even your friends anymore!
When I look at social media now, it is in a more serious lighting. I monitor who I become friends with better and what I update. It's simply not about connecting with friends, but it's also about connecting with jobs and networks.
You raise some really good points, albeit frightening. In some ways I can understand a job requirement to submit a facebook profile, however I mostly feel that it is an unfair intrusion into one's privacy. Do they ask to see your latest phone bills with each call enumerated? Or, do they tell you to compile a database of all your family, their jobs, and how much money they make? Maybe they should be requesting credit card receipts to see what you do every day and where you spend your money? Perhaps in the future, because of the huge outpouring of this grown-up social networking, new laws and privacy capabilities will develop.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting how the personal and professional social networking pendulum swings. I also started on myspace and after a few years of being invited by students that worked for me I opened a Facebook account. I did friend all my students and still have some on my account to this day. I have some staff and coworkers in my current position on my Facebook so I am always thinking before I post. It’s a conundrum weather you should place people you work with on your Facebook and I don’t think proper etiquette has been set. My work added a Facebook page to our website and it has been a great resource for users to find a place where information is updated about library news, events, services and technologies.
ReplyDeleteI also have a linkedin account for work connections. When interviewees come for interviews one of the first questions they ask is if you are on linkedin. I believe all social networking sites have some kind of benefit. It is good to get to know people in the work place other then on a professional level, seeing their adventures, their likes there dislikes, the sharing of information is always a good thing but sometimes it’s just TMI :)
Your post definitely struck a chord with me. During college I had a Livejournal where I posted all of my crazy shenanigans and happenings for my own documentation as well as for the amusement of my friends. While I do not want to outright delete the blog I also do not want anyone besides myself really having access to my posts. Therefore, I made the blog in its entirety private and only viewable by me. I would never want my current employers, let alone future employers, to catch wind of my posts but I also want to hold onto them as they document a very significant portion of my life.
ReplyDeleteWow! That is so disturbing to me that a potential employer would want to see your Facebook account. You know, I feel that I have nothing to hide via Facebook, etc. I never post anything nasty about my boss or anything work related. I may complain about homework or something, but usually in a jokey way. Most of my posts relate to my kids, actually. I connect mostly with family and friends, but do have a few colleagues on there as well (ones I am friendly with of course). Still, I agree that it is such an invasion of privacy to request to see it. It puts someone in an awkward position because if you refuse, does it hinder your chances for the job? Also, are these library professionals asking to invade your privacy?
ReplyDeleteYes one was a Library. I don't worry so much about what I post, but what some other people will post. People tend to take pictures more during times of celebration and vacation, I don't want my employer thinking I'm an outlandish drunk! My roommate worries about that more because he's going into politics. He looks like he's avoiding paparazzi if we go out!
ReplyDeleteIn some ways I understand, because the market I've been perusing is internet related, so they want to see my presence related to that field.
I, too, worry about what other people will post, and have been totally shocked by some of the things that are posted. It is making me think seriously of having a personal and professional account. I made the mistake of accepting friendship from anyone who asks and I think in a new account, I would not do that.
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