How Online Identities Are Established
Cited: http://www.reputation.com/blog/2008/12/15/facebook-app-lets-companies-find-new-talent-the-future-of-networking-is-online/online-identity-management/
Brief Summary
This issue of online identity is a pressing issue for our generation. I have never heard of someone getting a job because of their Facebook but there are tons of articles about people who have lost their job or not been hired due to their Facebook. The article posted at http://gizmodo.com/5818774/this-is-a-social-media-background-check provides a great insight into how someone’s online identity is assessed. The big misconception is some photos of a person partying will disqualify them from a job. As long as the person is of the legal drinking age these photos should not be an issue. The background searches are provided more to see if the person is prone to illegal activity or violence based on their post rather than their photos. Hence, threatening people or stating you do drugs online will severely damage a person’s online identity. Also, sexual pictures or comments will cause a huge problem as sexual harassment suits are a huge problem for companies. These online identity checks are more to see if a potential hire will become a legal liability for said company. They key to passing the online identity check is common sense. If you wouldn’t say or do it in front of a police officer do not post it online. By following that simple rule your online identity will be safe.
Personal Experience
I essentially get paid to establish online identities. Corporations and companies were rules to be people hence it is important these companies are reflected online the way they want to be perceived. Being able to craft an identity sounds weird as in real life there are tons of variables that contribute to a person’s identity. Online there are only a few snippets to determine an identity. Hence, with limited information to make a first impression it is important to make sure those identities are exactly what a person wants to be reflected.
Questions With Discussion
How strong is your online identity?
I am highly conscious of everything I post online which is why I rarely do. If I have something to say to a friend I message it rather than post it to their wall. In the information age sometimes no information is good information. A lot of my employers never meet me in person and are hiring me off of a resume and a strong recommendation I can not afford for my online identity to give them information that could potentially hinder my employment. On another note i do not do anything that would compromise my online identity which is another strong benefit. Also, knowing how to manipulate my online identity to be the best portrayal of myself is a useful skill.
Do you agree with the ruling that employer’s can search your online identity?
I am a strong believer in public record being easily accessible. Before, you needed a program to run a background check on someone and access their public records and there are quite a few companies that make money off of running these searches. Now, these companies are obsolete as all too many people are willing to post online information that will tell you more than any public record.