The Dark Side of Social Media in Employment and Education

As an aspiring professional or student, you might wonder: do prospective employers and educational institutions really scrutinize your social media profiles to evaluate your suitability for a job or school? While such evaluations can be constructive, they can also lead to hazards, particularly when they stem from misunderstandings, biases, or outright misbehavior by those conducting the assessments.

Common Uses and Potential Misuse

Employers and schools often use social media as a tool to gauge a candidate's or student's character, behavior, and values. However, this process can be fraught with pitfalls. Common practices include evaluating a person's online presence to determine their character, judgment, and professional behavior. Here’s a closer look at how social media is used and misused:

Evaluation for Employment: Recruiters might review a candidate's social media accounts to assess their professionalism, work ethic, and compatibility with the company culture. Admissions Decisions: Admissions committees might consider social media to ensure applicants maintain a positive profile that aligns with the institution’s standards.

A Case of Social Media Misuse

My personal experience illustrates how social media can be misused to harm an individual's reputation and academic/professional prospects. This highlights the importance of understanding the potential pitfalls and taking proactive steps to protect your online reputation.

Context and Background

After facing an unfortunate series of events, I found myself the victim of a toxic and uninformed scenario involving my social media profile. The incident took place during my application for admission into the Wright State University Human Factors Psychology PhD program.

During my application process, an unofficial faculty member hacked my Facebook account. This breach led to the creation of inappropriate group names, which inadvertently portrayed me in a negative light. As a result, my profile became a source of harassment and prejudice. Unfortunately, the acquisitions of my profile through indirect connections led to prolonged and unwarranted stalking by several faculty members.

The Stalking Incident

The faculty members, including Bob Gordon, Marty Gooden, and Kevin Bennett, stalked my online activity, misinterpreting and falsely accusing me of promiscuity and polygamy advocacy. This was entirely unjustified, as I had never engaged in such activities and was unaware of the changes to the group names. The stalking created a hostile and uncomfortable environment, contributing to my ultimate decision to leave the program.

The Harassment and Misunderstandings

My academic and professional environment became a breeding ground for further mischaracterization. Several instances of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior were reported, including unwanted advances, inappropriate jokes, and public displays of discomfort. One such incident involved a classmate, Jason Culbertson, who repeatedly tried to hit on me despite my clear disinterest. This harassment continued despite my repeated denials.

Examples of Misconduct

During one ride home from a local bar, Culbertson made inappropriate remarks and even suggested violent actions. Another instance involved Jerred Holt, who took and circulated photos of me without my consent, further adding to the sense of violation and harassment.

Faculty members also participated in the misconduct, making derogatory comments and spreading false rumors about extra marital affairs and deviant sexual activity. These actions not only created a hostile academic environment but also resulted in biased evaluations of my academic performance and grading.

Consequences of Misuse

The misuse of my social media profile and the resulting harassment ultimately led to a damaging environment that was unsustainable. The consequences ranged from denied employment opportunities to academic misconduct, all stemming from a single act of social media misuse.

For example, my work with Andrew Kiddon, James Christensen, and other colleagues on a research project was misinterpreted. Christensen publicly expressed a desire for a sexual reward for his work, a comment that was clearly misunderstood or misinterpreted. Despite the clear language in the project proposal, the faculty members fabricated grading and false allegations against me, leading to further complications and mistrust.

Prevention and Protection

To mitigate the risks associated with social media misuse, it is crucial to maintain a professional and secure online presence. Here are some recommendations for maintaining a safe and reputable online profile:

Regularly review and clean up your social media accounts to ensure they align with your professional aspirations. Be cautious about accepting friend requests or joining groups that may compromise your privacy or reputation. Set clear boundaries regarding your online content and interactions. Report any inappropriate behavior or harassment promptly and formally. Seek legal advice if you are the victim of social media harassment or if your rights are violated.

Conclusion

While social media can be a valuable tool for employment and education, it can also be a double-edged sword. It is essential to recognize the risks and take proactive steps to protect yourself from potential misuse. By understanding these risks and taking necessary precautions, you can maintain a professional and secure online presence.