Chapter 5, Problem 1RA-P145

Summary Introduction

Introduction

In this age of information, it may not be possible to maintain privacy. The current notion of privacy may well be a myth already. Businesses and colleges should monitor digital communications to ensure employees are being consistent with the image of the organization. They can do this by checking social media during hiring or admissions processes. This also opens up a potential Pandora’s box, as the lines between one’s personal space and their professional identity may become blurred.

Explanation of Solution

Answer and explanation

(This question asks for a subjective response, the following is an example.)

I am not concerned about privacy because the notion of privacy is antiquated in the age of information. As more and more of our lives are loaded into the cloud in social media and the myriad of commercial and educational online accounts, the idea that all that data can be reasonably private is unlikely. A determined hacker could find out nearly anything they wish. Businesses and colleges should evaluate the digital footprints of applicants in order to weed out unacceptable people. For example, police departments should certainly remove any officer involved in white supremacy movements because such an officer cannot be trusted to protect and serve all citizens. Colleges could, and have, rescinded acceptance of people based on racist posts found online to protect the image and goals of the institution. This brings forth a question of whether people should expect that anything and everything they do in a public forum, such as social media, will be used in consideration of professional decisions.