Failed: Reuters Gets it Wrong About Facebook Transparency

Thursday, May 8th, 2008 by Andy Beal

Failed: Reuters Gets it Wrong About Facebook Transparency

Here’s a headline from a new Reuters article:

“Facebook users willing to let employers see profiles”

Reuters looks at a new report on Canadian Facebook users and pretty much declares that they are now happy to let employers see their profiles.

But look at the data:

Almost half of 1,200 people questioned in an online survey said they would be comfortable sharing their personal profile with their current employer, while two in five would consider letting prospective employers look at their Facebook account in addition to their resume.

Huh? “Almost half” would share with their “current” employer? Only 20% 40% would share their Facebook profile with a “prospective” employer?

How does that match-up with the headline? Maybe Reuters was influenced by the report’s author who says, “The days of getting drunk and getting all your pictures posted online, that’s gone.”

Since when? Last time I checked, even responsible school teachers are posting content that could cost them their job.

While I believe social networking users are starting to realize their profiles can have a negative impact on their reputation–and careers–we’re certainly not at the point where everyone has the message.

Reuters is normally such a reliable news source for me, but I just can’t stop shaking my head over this gaff.

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6 comments on “Failed: Reuters Gets it Wrong About Facebook Transparency”

Brian F. Singh Says:

May 8th, 2008 at 11:11 am

Thanks Andy.

The report is posted my corporate site.

I posted clarification to what I said at my blog. While the is a net positive willingness, there is still substantial trepidation. However, we have noted, in general, there is an increasing trend for Facebook users to feel comfortable with sharing the content of their profile AND there is a large core group who never will.

Brian F. Singh’s last blog post..Clarifications: Reuters Coverage on Facebook News Release
Andy Beal Says:

May 8th, 2008 at 11:39 am

@Brian – thanks for stopping by to clarify. I know from experience that the media takes the quotes that best fit their angel–I know I do it.

That said, if you did say “The days of getting drunk and getting all your pictures posted online, that’s gone.” That’s just plain inaccurate. Sorry dude.
Brian F. Singh Says:

May 8th, 2008 at 12:02 pm

Totally agree!

Hell, I got pics of me tanked on my Facebook page. But I own the company.

Proper context is stated at blog – maybe some selected editing, some begging but most of it will be done via privacy controls… when self managed. Otherwise, you are at the mercy of friends/colleagues and associated enemies.

Brian F. Singh’s last blog post..Clarifications: Reuters Coverage on Facebook News Release
Ralph Says:

May 9th, 2008 at 1:52 am

I don’t know why but facebook never really attracted me to use it. And I really prefer to stay on my guards when giving any sensitive information about myself online.
Stephanie Nguyen Says:

May 16th, 2008 at 10:46 am

Speaking of errors, two in five is 40 per cent. That’s 40 per cent of respondents would let their prospective employers see their Facebook profile.
Andy Beal Says:

May 16th, 2008 at 1:30 pm

@Stephanie – thanks for the catch!

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