• by Jack Loechner , Staff Writer @mp_research, August 6, 2013

While social media, such as Facebook and Instagram, are popular for sharing photos and other aspects of people’s lives, many users are worried that their postings could someday cost them their job. According to a new survey from FindLaw.com, the most popular legal information website, more than a quarter of young social media users think that something they posted could come back to haunt them.

The survey found that 29% of users of Facebook, between the ages of 18 and 34, have posted a photo, comment or other personal information that they fear could someday either cause a prospective employer to turn them down for a job, or a current employer to fire them if they were to see it. The survey covered Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr and other popular social media.

A form of “day-after remorse” seems to be evident, says the report. Close to the same percentage of young social media users, 21%, say that they have removed or taken down a photo or other social media posting because they feared it could lead to repercussions with an employer. 

Users are taking other precautions as well. The survey found that 82% of young social media users say that they pay at least some attention to their privacy settings. Only 6% said that they pay no attention and only use the default settings when using social media.

Stephanie Rahlfs, an attorney-editor with FindLaw.com, says “… people love using social media to share their thoughts and life experiences… drawback is that many comments, photos and other information may not be looked upon favorably by employers… taking down or removing a post or photo may not be enough… the information may continue to live on in other parts of the Internet… assume that anything posted could live on the Internet forever… think accordingly before hitting the ‘Post’ button.”

FindLaw.com offers some suggestions when it comes to managing your social media:

• Always assume that your boss or a prospective employer could someday see that photo or comment. Your posting may be visible via friends’ and other acquaintances’ social media. Err on the side of safety and good judgment.
• Most social media provide a variety of controls for who is allowed to view postings and other personal information, and what information is being revealed to others. Check settings frequently
• Be aware of what personal information you are entering when initially registering. Many details of personal information are not required
• Although many individuals who are terminated from their job feel their termination was “wrongful,” the legal definition of wrongful termination is limited to only those circumstances where an employee was fired for an illegal reason.

More about FindLaw and the report may be found here, and detailed findings for in depth analysis is available on request from Michelle Croteau at michelle.croteau@thomsonreuters.com