Introduction
More and more employers are using the Internet and various online tools such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter to search for information about potential candidates. However, whether this is appropriate or ethical remains one of the most discussed topics among employees and employers since it is difficult for many people to answer this question.
Benefits of Online Recruiting
First, it’s essential to discuss why companies research potential applications online. One of the main reasons is that it is fast and easy. For example, employers can search for information about candidates’ past jobs, publications, and involvement in community events (Acquisti & Fong, 2020). Employers also look for recommendations on candidates that their former colleagues or previous employers can provide. All this can be found online quickly and easily.
However, others do not believe that such a search is ethically or practically acceptable. They compare it to snooping. This raises the question of whether prospective employers have a legal basis for viewing the private information that potential employees have made public on social media. Actually, this is a sensitive topic that presents difficulties for individuals who value their right to privacy.
Personal Opinion
I don’t think there is an easy answer to this topic. On the one hand, conducting an online search can assist employers in making a more educated choice regarding whether candidates deserve the position. But it’s equally important to consider the opposite side of the story. Looking into personal information on social media can violate privacy rights (Acquisti & Fong, 2020). Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they want potential employers to know this information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it might be advantageous for companies to research possible applicants on social media and the Internet. However, since violating someone’s right to privacy is a real problem, it should be done with extreme caution. Each individual must make their own decision regarding whether or not to provide this information to potential employers.
Reference
Acquisti, A., & Fong, C. M. (2020). An experiment in hiring discrimination via online social networks. Management Science, 66(3), 1005–1024. Web.