Social Media Risk Perceptions of Human Resource Professionals: Issues Undergraduate Students Should Consider

Authors

Julio C. Rivera, University of Alabama, BirminghamFollow
Jack Howard, University of Alabama At BirminghamFollow
Samuel Goh, Northern Kentucky UniversityFollow
James L. Worrell, University of Alabama - BirminghamFollow
Paul Di Gangi, University of Alabama at BirminghamFollow

Publication Date

December 2017

Abstract

This study contrasts the social media risk perceptions of undergraduate students, versus those of certified Human Resource professionals. Social media is widely used by most segments of the population, and particularly among the age group that includes most undergraduate students. Organizations hiring employees are increasingly examining job applicant's social media postings as part of the applicant screening process. In this study we examine how these groups differ in their perceptions of the risks inherent in using social media, and what these differences may mean for students seeking employment. Recommendations are made for raising undergraduate student awareness of these risks.