BY KATIE GAISER
Lions’ Pride Layout Editor

There has been a lot of debate over whether or not the examination of pictures from social networking websites should be allowed by employers when monitoring an employee. The common argument is an employer having the opportunity to use these pictures against an employee is a violation of the Constitutional right to freedom of speech.

Although I see the point to this argument, I do not feel that this is a violation of freedom of speech. I think people should be aware that when they post anything on the internet, it may very well end up on the screen of someone they didn’t intend it to.

I do, however, believe that employers using social networking websites without just reason to get their employees in trouble or potentially fired, is a violation of privacy.

The reason I believe this is simple. Just because there may be a picture of me on my Facebook with a beer in my hand does not mean I am drinking beer at work. What I choose to do outside of work should not be the business of my boss, just as it would not be my business what he or she does either. If I’m not drunk on the job, sneaking beers on my break, or coming to the office every day talking about how many keg stands I did with minors, I don’t feel it is right for my employer to search my profile looking for evidence that I have a social life. Unless there is cause for concern and my work is being compromised because of how I behave outside of the workplace, there is no reason for my employer to look at my profile.

Furthermore, I’m willing to bet most college students do not approve of the idea of employers using their MySpace and Facebook profiles against them, and that the thought doesn’t even cross their minds. After all, many college students who post pictures of themselves online are just trying to share with others the good times they are having and the memories they have made. No one posts pictures thinking, “Oh no, what if my future boss sees this?” And why should we? I know plenty of successful college students with high grade point averages that like to indulge and have a good time. This doesn’t mean their social lives affect their school work, nor does it mean that in the future it would affect their professional career.

Now, I do believe people should be careful about the content they post on the internet. However, I do not think it is right for employers to look at their employees’ photos for no reason. There has to be just cause.

If I am coming to work intoxicated or on drugs, then by all means my boss would have grounds to investigate me. Otherwise, my boss is violating my right to privacy and intruding upon my basic right to have a personal life.

Regardless of what I believe is right, I have had my own personal experiences with parties trying to use my photos as incriminating evidence, and trust me, it’s not a fun thing. I’d advise readers to think before they upload and save themselves the risk. Some things are better left on the memory card.

And that’s what she said.