What is your opinion on employers and universities judging applicants based on what they post on social media?

[Daly J]

Should students or job applicants assume that what they post on social media sites is private?
Please Give a full detailed answer.

[flatapple275]

no, they shouldn't. if anyone can log into facebook (or any other social networking site) and see your information then you should assume that employers and universities can do so as well. either keep your information private or don't post where others can see it

[Brent W]

No, students or applicants shouldn't assume it's private. The internet is not private. It's very much public. If they assume it's private, it shows a certain unawareness (naive) of today's world. And, if they're naive about this, they're probably going to be unaware of other things larger and more important. Therefore, I'd pass on them. i.e. not hire them or enroll them. Especially if what they post on social media is weird or hateful or strange in some manner.

[Sarah]

Students who think that what they post on social media is private are completely oblivious. It is called SOCIAL media. That means pretty much by definition that not only can everyone see it, but everyone is SUPPOSED to see it. That is why you put things on social media in the first place: so people can see it. Social media, whether we like it or not, is now an extension of our character. Saying that a potential employer shouldn't judge a candidate based on lewd photographs they plaster all over the internet is like saying that a potential employer who happens to see you dancing drunk and topless at a bar should not take that into consideration when they hire you.