Every professional has heard horror stories of workers’ social networking mishaps; but to what degree should companies censor Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, and Twitter? Or, instead of censoring these networks, should they be embraced by companies and supervisors? Rather than being driven by fear, it is important that we look to the advantages and disadvantages that are posed by social networking.
For example, lets evaluate the risk of viruses or malware. Most viruses prey on an unsuspecting audience, tricking individuals into thinking that they are receiving a message from a “friend.” Social networks have become a likely venue for ill-doers. Through them, viruses and malware spread quickly and efficiently; and if the user logs on via a work computer, the entire company’s network is at risk. Despite the perceived increased risk, the danger of this occurring because of a social network website is equal to the danger of the same issue surfacing from any other website; hence, employees logging on to Facebook or MySpace during work hours pose no greater threat to their company’s network than the employee browsing any other public Internet forum.
Though the risk of virus infiltration does not increase by allowing employees to check their social networks during work hours, the issue of lost productivity is not a small concern. In 2007 Barracuda Networks, a worldwide leader in email and Web security, reported that 50 percent of its clients were blocking either Facebook or MySpace from its employees. While banning social network sites is a valid effort to discourage stolen time, is it possible that a business be smart to welcome the benefits of social networking? For instance, consider our very own The Bill Guy. He manages a Facebook page as a public service to his fans, alerting them of aforementioned harmful viruses. He also promotes the community of Wichita by posting upcoming events that his fans may be interested in. Not only does his page provide this public service, it also helps to grow the company. Who’s to say, then, that his Facebook page does more harm than good, professionally speaking?
Opinions on the appropriateness of social networking vary from boss to boss and from employee and employee. One must recognize that social networks are not the grim reapers of company networks, like head honchos would like us to think. True, they carry a certain number of risks, yet at the same time; they also carry a certain degree of professional opportunity as well. It is important that every individual company evaluate the pros and cons before making a rash decision regarding social networking sites.
