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...They say don't talk politics or religion at work - wait, what about social media sites???

Beware, "Big Brother" is watching your every move online.  In this case "Big Brother" is a potential employer or current one that wants to know what your activities outside of work entail.  Those of us with nothing to hide may have no worries, but the "perspective" is in the eye of the HR person. One has to wonder if their personal views of say religion, politics or music for example, would be cause for pre-judgement by employers. In the current economic situation here in the U.S., I suspect "watching what you say online" is a harsh reality to how most people conduct themselves on the Web.  Apart from filtering your speech online, what about the personal photos of your "away-from-work" activities that can land someone in hot water with their employer.  Remember the story of the teacher who was fired when pictures of her vacation was posted on Facebook (article below)?  Mama always told me life's not fair! Also, the NY Times article below gives some staggering stats of how being socially online is being scrutinized by employers now in increasing numbers. Even with privacy settings available, it seems we have to be concerned to a degree.  Personally, I consciously will "do me" and either suffer the consequences or reap the benefits. 


http://shelley2503.wordpress.com/2010/07/21/smile-h-g-wells-big-brother-is-becoming-a-reality/

Also see :  http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/magazine/25privacy-t2.html?_r=1&src=twt&twt=nytimes

http://www.insideedition.com/news.aspx?storyId=3638

Comments

  1. I agree....you should not have to "hide" who you are within reason...I think activities separate from work that do not compromise your ability to effectively do your job when you at work, should not have any bearing on your career. People have always been people, and will continue to do so. We are not only our jobs, and there are many sides to people that aren't seen in the workplace.

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  2. I agree with you completely - it's a harsh reality in today's world, however.

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