What are Social Media Checks?

In today’s digital age, our online presence can say a lot about us. This is particularly true when it comes to the hiring process or when assessing one’s personal brand. That’s where social media checks come into play. Let’s dive into what social media checks are, their purpose, what’s typically included, and how to conduct them responsibly.

What are Social Media Checks?

Social media checks involve reviewing a person’s online profiles and activities on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and more. Each platform can offer different insights into a person’s life, from professional accomplishments and networks on LinkedIn to personal interests and activities on Instagram or Twitter. The goal is to piece together a comprehensive picture that reflects a person’s character, interests, and how they might fit into a company’s culture or a specific role.

What is a Social Media Check Also Called?

You might also hear social media checks referred to as “online background checks” or “digital footprint reviews.” Regardless of the name, the goal is to assess a person’s online presence and activities. These terms highlight the broad scope of the investigation, acknowledging that our online activities extend beyond social media and can include blog posts, forum contributions, and even comments on news articles. Each element of our online interactions contributes to a digital footprint that can tell a story about our behavior, values, and suitability for certain roles or responsibilities.

What is the Purpose of Social Media Checks?

The primary aim is to ensure that there are no red flags or potential issues that could affect an individual’s suitability for a job, their alignment with a company’s values, or their overall reputation. These checks are critical for businesses looking to make informed decisions about hiring, partnerships, or even promotions, ensuring that the individuals they choose to associate with reflect their values and standards. Similarly, for individuals, understanding how one’s online persona might be perceived can be crucial for personal branding and professional development. In essence, social media checks help mitigate risks and foster trust in professional relationships.

What is Included in a Social Media Check?

A comprehensive social media check digs into publicly accessible data, including posts, comments, reactions, shares, and even group memberships or page follows. This process aims to uncover insights into an individual’s personal interests, social behaviors, and interaction patterns with others. It’s about more than just what a person says; it’s also about how they say it, the content they engage with, and the communities they are part of. Such a review can reveal a person’s stance on various issues, their communication style, and even their network, offering a rounded view of their online persona.

How to Run Social Media Checks?

Conducting social media checks requires a careful approach to respect privacy and adhere to legal standards. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Define Clear Objectives: Know what you’re looking for and why. Are you assessing compatibility with corporate culture, verifying information provided in a resume, or looking for specific behaviors?
2. Use Professional Tools: There are services and software designed to perform social media checks in a respectful and legal manner, ensuring you only access publicly available information.
3. Focus on Relevant Information: Not everything found online is relevant or fair to use in an assessment. Concentrate on information directly related to professional behavior and compatibility with job requirements or company values.
4. Stay Compliant: Be aware of laws and regulations regarding privacy and employment. Ensure that your methods of conducting social media checks comply with all relevant legal standards to protect both your organization and the individuals being checked.
5. Document Your Process: Keep records of what criteria you used, which platforms were checked, and how the information influenced any decisions. This documentation can be crucial for accountability and legal compliance.

For a more in-depth post on how to run a Social Media Check and companies that can help, check out How to run Social Media Checks

Social media checks are becoming an increasingly common part of the vetting process for employers and individuals alike. By understanding what these checks entail and how to conduct them responsibly, you can make more informed decisions that reflect well on both professional and personal levels. Remember, the digital footprint we leave behind can often speak volumes, so it’s important to navigate the online world thoughtfully and ethically.