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We saw your blog, you're fired!
Lawsuits, job loss risks of social networking
By Jessie Yale
jyale@mscd.edu

Websites like MySpace provide people with places to share their thoughts, keep in touch, meet new friends and, for some, a chance to get sued, get passed over for a job and maybe even do some jail time.

MySpace.com now has more than 100 million users, with millions more signing up each day.

“The majority of my friends have MySpace accounts,” said Deanna Rupert, 22. “We are all really busy and spread out, so it’s how we keep in touch. It can sometimes be easier than a phone call.”

Rupert has been a MySpace user for more than a year and posts not only blog entries but photos of herself, her friends and their weekend exploits.

“Some of the things I say and some pictures I post probably would be offensive to some people, but it’s who I am,” Rupert said.

However, ranting and raving on a blog about pesky co-workers, annoying neighbors and overbearing bosses can get one sued for libel, invasion of privacy and harassment. Posting pictures and blog entries can also be harmful to a person’s reputation if a present or future employer sees something that they don’t like; it could cost them their job.

“People don’t realize the consequences,” said Deb Hurley-Brobst, an associate professor of journalism at Metro. “That day is coming when they will. The Internet is becoming so prevalent, and people don’t understand that others are reading what they say.”

Libel is not the only reason someone could go to court. There have also been cases involving invasion of privacy and negligence.

For young people, bullying on the web is an increasing problem that could lead to severe consequences. Hurley explained that if what is said leads to a harassment charge, the blogger could end up in jail.

“Parents will have to start getting involved if the problem gets bad enough,” she said.

There have been several court cases involving personal blogs and websites, but none have been highly publicized.

“Something big enough has to happen to get people’s attention, and when this happens either laws will need to change, or people will need to change,” Hurley said.

Another concern with personal websites has to do with employment. Kara Lang, who until recently owned her own small business consulting firm, said that using MySpace, Facebook, and other personal websites to profile applicants is becoming an important tool in the hiring process.

“I did it when I was hiring people. It gives more background on a person and can give you a more in-depth view of their personality and lifestyle,” Lang said. “I’ve also talked with businesses that check references through the web. It’s sometimes faster, and it can be a great resource.”

As more people gravitate toward the Internet and the information it holds, the future seems to be filled with both potential and problems.

“People can use it to their advantage if they know what they are doing,” Lang said.