The real impact of social networking while at work
As many of you may know, I have been unemployed since April 2008. Granted, I did take a year “off” to return to school and complete my degree. But the fact is that I have not seen a paycheck (or any benefits that come along with one) in 18 months. When I started back to school a little over a year ago I found that all of my 20-something classmates used Facebook to keep in touch with each other. Desiring to better understand this younger generation that I’d likely be working with again soon, I signed myself up. I surprisingly discovered a number of people my age that were already on Facebook and quickly amassed a list of 150 or so “friends.” Since then, I hit Facebook once every other day or so to see what’s happening. For the most part it has been a good way to stay in touch with people I know and re-connect with old friends.
The problem started this summer. As school was winding to a conclusion I was franticly trying to find a decent job. The economy was not helping and I found myself sliding into fall while watching my meager funds dwindle to nothing. The clock was ticking and looming financial ruin was clearly visible on the horizon. Even though I was no longer preoccupied with school and had plenty of free time on my hands, I resisted the urge to engage in any more serious social networking to pass the time than my usual daily Flickr posting and occasional Facebook lurking. Recently I started noticing that a surprising number of my FB contacts were constantly posting meaningless status updates throughout the day (as in twice an hour or more). It’s like a form of electronic stream of conscience for some people. I can imagine them now, thinking an amusing thought then spending the next 10 minutes cleverly composing, researching, taking pictures, creating tinyurl links, editing, and posting their status update or tweet.
It infuriates me that these folks are completely taking advantage of their jobs like this. I feel that they are not only disrespecting their employers but also me personally. It’s like they have zero appreciation for their cushy jobs, steady paychecks, insurance, nice computers, unlimited internet access, free Friday lunches, etc. while meanwhile, I’m worried about how I will be able to pay my rent next month and trying to explain to my daughters why they can’t have new shoes for school. And it’s not just me. Right now there are nearly 15 million people unemployed in the US. That’s 15 million people that used to have a job and now don’t- most of which would give anything for one of those cushy jobs with a steady paycheck, insurance, nice computer, unlimited internet access, free Friday lunches, etc. Instead, they sit around uselessly job hunting and reading all their friends’ status updates about how bad work sucks, or how hard they partied last night, or about the latest game they bought, or that funny website they just found with all the redneck wedding pictures, and then look at pictures of $8 cups of coffee, $25 “business” lunches and all the shenanigans associated with company-paid trips to exotic destinations they can fondly remember visiting themselves but wondering if they ever will again.
So, workplace productivity issues aside, there’s also a significant yet subtle human impact component to social networking to consider. Think about this the next time you feel the urge to share your thoughts about something you just read/discussed/thought that clearly has nothing to do with the productive work you should be doing from 9 to 5. Your job is not an entitlement and most of you would lose it right now if your boss knew what you were doing with your time on the clock… except maybe reading this ;-)
Me? I used to turn a blind eye when I saw people wasting time at work on-line as long as they met their deadlines. I will have another job someday soon and you can bet that I’ll have a lot more appreciation for the opportunity it provides and greater consideration for those that are not as fortunate. And, I’ll demand the same from the people that work for me. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do and somebody’s got to do it. I’m not saying social networking is a bad thing. I’m just saying there’s a time and a place and you should think before you tweet.
October 1st, 2009 at 6:02 pm
So does this mean all three of your opportunities fell through?
October 1st, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Couldn’t agree more. I check FB several times a week, and rarely post. For me, its more a privacy thing – its just that I’m really selective about who I tell what. I know the benefits of social networking and that’s the way of the world now. I’ve come into contacts with some old friends, and in one noteworthy instance, I enjoy following the posts of an old college buddy who’s now a broadcaster with MPR (Minnesota Pub Radio.) I have a brother-in-law who, since he’s been unemployed, has posted hours of Mafia war and Cow-something-or-other – game stuff on FB. Mind you, I pass time on Flickr, and it’s relaxing in its way, but it also serves to inspire and instruct me, give me ideas, and motivates me to try new things. Why would anybody tell the whole world – including recruiters who check FB profiles – that you’re spending lots of time doing laptop-masturbation? I think Linked-In is great and I like Flickr, but I’m surprised at how naive many unemployed professionals are about their overall online profile. And – I completely agree about the inappropirate use at work. It doesn’t take much to extrapolate that in any organzinzation, and lot of productivity is lost. People have lost their jobs from such inappropriate use at work…
October 2nd, 2009 at 8:32 am
Anonymouse- Yes and no. Some have fallen through and others have taken their place. I decided to stretch things a bit more into October to explore some new opportunities. I have two interviews next week and I’m hoping for the best!
Greg- Thanks for your comments. I think the biggest problem is that people just don’t think about what they’re doing. Twitter is the worst IMO. Google someone, find their Twitter page and then read all the mindless crap they are putting out there. It’s amazing! I have used this technique to disqualify job candidates AND potential employers alike. I also agree that Linked-In is a great site for professional networking and that Flickr is more than just a social networking site. Flickr has made me 100X better photographer and has helped me maintain my creativity through this tough time. But, when I start back to work Flickr, like all my social networking, blogging, etc., will be relegated to nights, weekends and layovers!
Cheers!
May 21st, 2010 at 11:57 am
Hi, I stumbled upon your blog while searching for creating bokeh with compact camera. You have awesome entries and I couldn’t agree more with your response to social networking while at work.
I’m a college goer and I used to be pretty obsessed with Facebook, I was probably one of those who posts very frequently but recently I got really tired of it. I realize it’s a complete waste of time shifting through what people write and post because most of them doesn’t really apply to me, some even made me upset and frustrated ie. people boasting about their party scenes and such. I even deactivated it for finals week and I felt liberated. I didn’t have to go unnecessary stress when I see things I don’t like, you know? Which I really don’t get, why would people post about their lives on Facebook where 1000 other people can see and probably laugh about it? Oh well, I guess it’s defeated the whole purpose of keeping in touch and networking.