In response to Austin Feltham’s blog about social media in the work place, i think that employers cross the line by searching employee’s facebook or other social media website profiles. Everyone has the right to freedom of speech and a social life. The point of social media is to be social with your friends, not to add to your resume. Employees should be able to go out and have a fun weekend with their friends, or post a funny picture with it affecting their job.

Yet there are so many situations where this does happen. Some are understandable, like posting derogatory comments about the employer. or inter-employee feuds. In strict sectors, like government, employees have even been fired for “liking” a comment about the rival.

Is it really fair though? Employees are definitely putting themselves out there on the internet, most times the first thing that comes up on a Google search of a name is a person’s Facebook. So is it the employee’s fault for putting information on the internet? Or should employers not take into account social media when hiring or making cuts in their staff? Or is there no fair way at all?