Don't Judge a (Face)Book by its Cover: A Critical Review of the Implications of Social Networking Sites

Abstract : Social networking sites (SNS) are increasingly popular, and as their popularity continues to grow, the integration of these sites within the workplace is vitally important. Although these sites may provide a number of advantages, such as improved knowledge sharing and improved relationships, there are also numerous risks associated with the use of these sites. For example, these sites may waste company time, may create tension within the workplace, and may jeopardise privacy, security and confidentiality. Hence, it is crucial for organisations to develop a clear and enforceable policy for the use of these sites, which should be coupled with a personal, meaningful and contextualised education campaign. It is vital to emphasise the possible risks, reinforce the restrictions to use, and stress the consequences of a failure to comply. This should help to ensure that organisations can benefit from the advantages of these sites, without unnecessarily jeopardising their security.