Employers often use social media platforms like Facebook and Myspace to gather information about…

Employers often use social media platforms like Facebook and Myspace to gather information about potential candidates. Social media provides a quick way for employers to gain insight into a candidate’s personal life, which may influence hiring decisions. It is not illegal for an employer to scan social networking sites for background research. There are risks associated with relying on social media for hiring decisions, such as the potential for encountering fake information. Social media profiles may not always accurately represent a candidate’s professional qualifications or character. Privacy concerns arise when employers use social media information, as candidates may not have intended for their posts to be part of a professional evaluation. Employers should carefully consider the ethical implications and accuracy of using social media information in hiring decisions. (Melendez 2009)