Social Media Screening
The Internet, which is deemed to be the worldwide broadcaster, is a major medium for the dissemination of information globally. It is also a medium for communication and interaction between users and computers, regardless of their geographical location. The Internet is indeed the most successful product of committed investment in research and development of information technology infrastructure over the years (Bowcott & Ackerman, 2014).
Many employers use internet as a platform to assist in the recruitment of new employees in an organization or company. They have used the companies to share information and create content which enhances participation in social networking. As a result, a potential candidate can submit their application and enquire of the available vacancies using the social media platform and sites that the companies are engaged in to attract them. The screening of these employees later occurs from the information availed by the potential candidate online. However, social media screening as a way of recruitment has some challenges and benefits in equal measure (Hirschfelder & Molin, 1992).
Social media screening allows the increase of information flow and acceleration in recruiting processes, allows companies to shorten the hiring times by use of internet. Since the jobs position are normally specific, and the availability of computer interviews helps reduce recruiting costs, employee turnover and hiring times. The use of internet saves time and money in comparison to posting ads in the newspaper. This also boosts the productivity since the vacant positions exist for a short period. The employer has an opportunity to hire staff both locally and globally (Hirschfelder & Molin, 1992).
When using social media sites to screen a candidate can be disqualified if the information displays poor communication skills, posting contents bad mouthing the previous employers, falsified qualifications. Second, posting information online of an individual poses great risks on intrusion of privacy when hacked by malicious people. As a result, some employees will be hesitant to post online all of their skills, abilities and strengths for fear of information theft that can later be used against them (Bowcott & Ackerman, 2014).
References
Bowcott, O., & Ackerman, S. (2014). Mass internet surveillance threatens international law, UN report claims. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/15/internet-surveillance-report-edward-snowden-leaks
Hirschfelder, A., & Molin, P. (1992). The encyclopedia of Native American religions. New York: Facts on File.