Facebook Connects Everyone

Social networking sites have become a search engine for people to find other people, whether they know, have heard, or want to be friends with them.

After reading 'Public Displays of Connection' (Donath and Boyd 2004), it proved my theory that people are relying on their 'online identity' to stay in touch, expand their friendship base and follow others' daily activities. 100 million active users joining Facebook in 6 months in 2010 (Wauters 2010), suggests that this social networking site is providing users with social benefits beyond face to face contact! This online culture is growing and is easily accessible.

The fact that social networking sites allow users to expand their friendship base has many benefits but the online activity also increases the risk of stalking, unwanted connections and a space for pedophiles to thrive. However, my real interest is in the way businesses utilises Facebook profiles in assessing job applicants, potential promotions and sourcing personal information. From personal experience, a potential boss has stalked my Facebook page and when I asked why, Brad Hilton responded "to find out information about you before I shortlisted potential employees" (Personal Interview, January 25, 2011). Initially, I found it quite intrusive but in retrospect, I believe it's an easy and readily available tool that can provide a lot of information about someone.

How do you feel about your boss having access to your online 'life' and does Facebook present a valid representation of you?


References
1. Donath, J. and boyd, d. (2004). Public displays of connection.   BT Technology Journal , volume 22 (4): 71-82
2. Wauters, R. (2010). Zuckerberg Makes it Official: Facebook Hits 500 Million members. Accessed March 12, 2011. http://techcrunch.com/2010/07/21/facebook-500-million/