Social media is a platform that people engage with daily for various personal reasons. The way individuals use social media has evolved significantly; many people now share nearly every aspect of their lives online without considering who might be watching. I came across a statement while scrolling through my feeds that resonated with me: anything you post on the internet will serve as a reminder of the kind of person you were in the past. This emphasizes the importance of sharing content you would be proud of at any moment, as you might eventually need to justify your past actions.
The internet has a long memory. Imagine committing to a new way of life, such as giving your life to Christ, only to stumble across your past online. You would be confronted with the activities you previously engaged in, and sometimes those memories can be painful because, ideally, old habits and behaviors should be left behind. Unfortunately, for some, those remnants remain etched in digital space.
Some organizations require employees to submit their social media handles, while others do not concern themselves with such practices. Companies that do request this information usually aim to protect their image and reputation online. For organizations that prioritize their digital presence, monitoring how employees use social media becomes crucial for safeguarding their reputation.
When employees submit their social media handles to their employers, it can limit what they choose to post. Many individuals share irrelevant or questionable content online; while this may be a personal affair, oversight from an employer can alter their online behavior.
I know someone who was fired due to their social media activity. This individual had a well-paying job and worked in a desirable environment, which I admired. The company required this person to share their Instagram handle, a request they initially struggled with until they decided to comply.
The employer reviewed this person's online profile and discovered that they had been posting negative comments about the organization. As we know, news spreads quickly on the internet—it can reach a vast audience in mere seconds.
If someone were to say damaging things about my company online, it would undoubtedly harm the organization's reputation. This is one of the primary reasons employers request access to employees' social media accounts; they want to know how their workers present themselves online.
If my employer asked for my social media handle, I would be willing to provide it. However, I would impose certain restrictions to protect my privacy. Personally, I don’t share much about my private life on the internet, as I prefer to keep those details to myself. I believe meeting such requirements would not conflict with my aspirations.
That said, I feel that social media handles should not be a deciding factor in hiring potential employees; they shouldn’t serve as a criterion for employment.
Conclusion: Sharing social media handles shouldn't be a means to monitor employees' lifestyles; rather, it should be related to work purposes. Whatever an employee posts on their social media is their business. Work and private life should be kept separate.
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