Using social media content for screening in recruitment and selection: pros and cons. (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jeske, Debora; Shultz, Kenneth S
• Is Part Of: Work, employment & society. Volume 30:Number 3(2016:Jun.)
• Page Start: 535
• Page End: 546
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: applicant selection -- employer screening -- ethics -- privacy -- social media; Industrial sociology -- Periodicals; Work -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Industrial relations -- Periodicals; 306.36
• DOI: 10.1177/0950017015613746
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-0170

Abstract

The article considers the arguments that have been made in defence of social media screening as well as issues that arise and may effectively erode the reliability and utility of such data for employers. First, the authors consider existing legal frameworks and guidelines that are present in the UK and the USA, as well as the subsequent ethical concerns that arise when employers access and use social networking content for employment purposes. Second, several arguments in favour of the use of social networking content are made, each of which is considered from several angles, including concerns about impression management, bias and discrimination, data protection and security. Ultimately, the current state of knowledge does not provide a definite answer as to whether information from social networks is helpful in recruitment and selection.