Social Networking

           Social Networking technologies can be used in various ways, from both a personal standpoint and a corporate/professional standpoint. Technology's uses can be both a benefit or a hindrance to society. Over the years, social networks such as Facebook and more specifically, LinkedIn, have become a prime resource for recruiters, with Osram Sylvania's recruiter, Maureen Crawford-Hentz, going as far to say that "Social networking technology is absolutely the best thing to happen to recruiting — ever." It has made recruiting easier and perhaps more efficient, as recruiters can now find high-quality candidates they wouldn't find elsewhere, based on keywords. Also, LinkedIn allows its user to share their online "Rolodexes", which helps to connect more individuals. The downside? While you can search for candidates easier, there is no shortcut to developing a relationship with them.
         Facebook users are often tasked with coming up with a status update. On the premise, it seems simple. A status update is what you are currently doing or about to do. However, there is an art to coming up with an effective update. Sure, I can stop right here and say that that is the problem. A "cool" status update is what is important in today's society, but I'll continue. The use of the status update is beneficial in that it links people of similar interests or humor, that wouldn't otherwise happen. Seeing someone's status update can surely spark a friendship or an interest in another person. It can be very helpful, whether it is posting a question to homework or asking for a good place to find something, such as a pair of sneakers. However, it can also be detrimental to the user. In a society where social networks are used by recruiters, the users have to be very careful about what they post. That means that the Jägermeister-besotted Sean should think twice about posting that he is stumbling home. You never know what might set off a recruiter, but then you have to ask yourself? Is it fair for me to not be true to myself and share what I want to share because it might haunt me later? On the other hand, recruiters using social networks to find candidates can be troublesome, because when it comes to social networking, you are what you say you are. Good or bad!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6522523&sc=emaf
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/magazine/15wwln-medium-t.html?_r=0