social media and the workplace

As society rapidly continues to advance technologically, new forms of communication have been put into place, both facilitating and complicating our daily lives. Whether it be a new word in the dictionary, or the rise of social media networks, each pose a threat to society if left unresolved as it conflicts with old systems put into place. In regards to the workplace, social media has completely shifted our perspectives on why and who we decide to hire or terminate. Subsequently blurring the boundary lines between the private and professional lives of both current and potential employees. When it comes to social media and the workplace, is anything actually considered private? This topic will be further expanded through the idea that: establishments reserve the right to find out about an employee’s personal life, given the fact that the employee has not been performing to their highest potentiality and each and every employee is entitled to a private and personal life which is completely unrelated to their place of employment.

So what are social media networks? According to webopedia.com “Abbreviated as SNS a social networking site is the phrase used to describe any Web site that enables users to create public profiles profile. Social networking sites can be used to describe community-based Web sites, online discussions forums, chatrooms and other social spaces online.” (1) These new sites have caused an evolution in the way we communicate, interact and perceive one another entirely. Rather than simply emitting a message on a one-to-one basis, individuals have now been given the power to spread content one-to-many in a matter of seconds! Now imagine coming home from work after an extremely stressful and tiring 8 hour shift and simply needing to vent. Facebook, home to over 400,000,000 users allows you to release any thought and idea into the world as many times as you please. Thus leading you to