Instead of being limited to our general geographic area to exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, or communicate, we can speak instantly to anyone who has access to the internet, anywhere in the world. Think about an average conversation you may have had recently; did someone mention facebook, skype, twitter, or any of the other social networking sites? Our everyday interaction with each other has changed because of the popularity of these sites. If you have a facebook account, how many invitations have you gotten for parties, or other events? For instance, my wifes reunion invitations were issued only via facebook, myspace, and twitter. On classmates.com, or mylife.com, you can post your profile, and reconnect with people from your past. How many people have you found on social networking sites from your past that you thought you would never see again? It is common for people to contact you who you hadn't seen for years, all of this thanks to social networking sites.
Social networking sites can also be a tool in your professional life. With an account on linkedin, it is possible to connect with other account holders that are in the same industry as you, or other industries. Account holders can search for new employment opportunities, network with clients, and prospective clients, and stay up to date with changes in your industry. Hundreds of sales are made every day via linkedin, and it is perfectly acceptable to due research about a potential employee on linkedin. Indeed, linkedin and sites like it are making business cheaper, more efficient, sleeker, and global.
Employers also are using these sites to gain information about prospective employees; there is even a company, Yasani.com that searches social networking sites for employers. I believe we all remember the young staffer for Barack Obama's '08 presidential bid who posted a picture of him self holding a cutout of Hillary Clinton. While this did not damage his career, it very well could have. The lesson here is loud and clear; if your friends can see something, your boss probably can also.
There are other downsides to social networking sites. Sites such as twitter, myspace and facebook encourage you to share photos of yourself, and other personal information. Criminals have taken notice of this invitation, and have used sites as the ones mentioned earlier to commit crime. It is possible for criminals to look at various accounts that you have and build their own profile of you, for burglary, identity theft, or other criminal purposes. When using these sites, one must be aware of this, and act accordingly. Children may be at the most risk; with children being so trusting many of them, if not warned properly, may come into contact with people that you would never allow them to associate with. It is imperative to use social networking sites cautiously, and be aware of the dangers that are out there.
When used correctly social networking sites are an amazing thing. It is possible for families to see, and speak to each other instead of writing letters, or talking on the phone. They are useful for employees to find a job, and employers to research employees, and it is possible to find and communicate with people from your past. The main thought one must take away when deciding which, and if to join one of these sites is safety. When done in a cautious manner, social networking site will change your life in many ways.
Moses
3 comments:
It's true companies do treat social networks as opportunities to blast out openings to a large pool of non-strangers if you will. As with personal networking, hiring managers would probably rather recruit people that they know or people that come with a recommendation. Whether we look at it as "friend" or "following" status on Facebook or Twitter takes you one step further from stranger and one step closer to the "in" crowd. It does seem like companies take these responses from social networks fare more seriously than unsolicited resumes or applications through avenues like Monster. Also have heard in my own company of someone getting fired through Facebook so I guess it can be used both ways!
I love facebook! It gives me the chance to stay in touch with family and friends that live far away. I have mixed feelings about companies searching facebook to determine employement. When do we ever get anytime for us, to be who we want to be without constantly worrying about what if our employeer sees this.
I agree that employers shouldn't be involved with social networks like Facebook or my space. However, a person has the ability to pick or approve their friends and shouldn't publicize things that they don't want others to know. Social networks only know what YOU the "writer" writes. There are professional networks like Linked-In (http://www.linkedin.com/) that are great for folks looking to hire or job seekers looking for a job. Give it try; places like this are great for employee/supervisor relationships.
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