Truth in Unplanned Advertising

The 100 million people worldwide who are now on Facebook and other social networking websites aren’t just talking to each other. Employers screen candidates using online profiles, and even justify firing their workers on the basis of commentary or photographs. The Chicago Tribune reported last week that one in ten college admissions officers admit to surfing for facts to evaluate applicants. The age of privacy is over. Your worst fear is true—everyone knows what you did last night. Evidence that workplace composure might not be entirely representative of an employee’s innate character. Fact and Opinion Checking True Stories A bank intern emailed his boss about missing work due to a sudden “family emergency” but a quick Facebook search revealed he played hooky to attend a costume ...