Facebook: More Harm Than Good?

The passing of the Maryland bill that bans employers from asking for social media passwords of job applicants and employees is a necessary precaution to help preserve people’s privacy in the digital age. People should feel violated if an employer demands access to a personal social media account. That is similar to asking to check one’s mail, or following someone around on a weekend to see what they do in their personal time. It is a ridiculous concept that certain companies believe that they should gain complete access to the personal lives of their employees and potential employees.  I expect laws of this nature to continue spreading as digital media grows and plays a larger part in more people’s lives.  A number of states have already adopted the same bill as Maryland, and I think eventually it should become a federal law. 

I believe that it is fine for companies to check potential and current employees’ public social media accounts, but it is ridiculous for them to attempt to access their private accounts. What someone keeps private is none of their business. However, if someone is posting all over social media, then that information is public, and it can and should be in companies’ power to punish or simply judge that individual for the public information.

If I were applying for a job and they requested my social media passwords, I would feel extremely uncomfortable, and I probably would not even want to work at that company. But I do understand if they would like to see my public information. That is why I do not like “over-using” social media. Anything posted is available to the rest of the world, and it is nearly impossible to be erased completely. Social media websites like Facebook are very useful tools for employers; they can see your pictures, conversations with friends, and your interests. It could make or break your next job interview. So next time you post something on Facebook or Twitter, think: what if a potential employer saw this?