Thur+C+blog+post+analysis

Thur C.

TO: Proximity social networking FROM: Christina Thur SUBJECT: PC World article on Face book DATE:

We were asked to analyze a blog post or news item to help us prepare Proximity's spring survey. My memo summarizes an article from //PC World// about employers checking their employee's Facebook profiles. I suggest we take caution with what we post on our individual social networking profile pages to avoid conflict with current/potential employers.


 * What PC World discusses**

PC World warns readers against owning   Facebook profiles that contain inappropriate informati  on, bec  ause 53% of employers research potential job candidates via Facebook or other social networking sites, according to CareerBuilder.co.uk. Carrie Ann Skinner, a PC advisor with PCWorld.com, reports that some employers have decided against hiring candidates based on revealing content on their Facebook profile. According to Skinner, two in five employers admit that social networking can prove useful in exposing incriminating comments, inappropriate photographs, or possibly over-exaggerated qualifications.

Despite the risks of having personal information displayed to the public, Farhan Yasin, president of CareerBuilder.co.uk, claims    that "social networking is a great way to make connections with potential job opportunities and promote your personal brand across the internet." However, CareerBuilder suggests that Facebook users maintain a professional profile in case future employers feel the need to investigate.

The article shows the importance of ensuring the privatization of your personal information that can be shown publicly on the internet, as it can result in problematic situations at the workplace.  PC world indicates that the total number of Facebook users may decrease due to fear of having their information exploited on the internet, which is understandable considering the consequences of being involved with social networking sites.
 * Why this article is important **

 <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">** Sources ** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Questions to ask Towson University Students… **
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Will students edit or delete their Facebook profile after reading this article?
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">How many students have gotten fired due to information found on their Facebook profile?
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Do Towson University Students think employers have a right to view one's Facebook profile and make judgments based on the available information?