Drunken Facebook posts could damage students’ career prospects
University students who regularly post drunken or lewd confessions on Facebook could damage their future job prospects, according to academics at Swansea University.
The warning stems from academic chiefs from Swansea University which joined together with the student union to alert students that prospective employers use the internet to research potential recruits.
Their comments follow the introduction of a Facebook page, set up to encourage Swansea undergraduates to reveal stories about their experiences including binge-drinking and sexual exploits.
It also said posting details of “indecent” behaviours could result in disciplinary action and stressed that the internet is governed by defamation laws.
In a joint statement, registrar Raymond Ciborowski and Students’ Union president Tom Upton said, “We are seriously concerned about the nature and content of these pages.
“Irresponsible use of social media can damage their future employment prospects as companies are increasingly searching for information on job applicants."
The university also said it is unclear who has set up the Facebook page. “Students are sharing personal information, including explicit content, with an anonymous page administrator, who has no accountability. As a result, participants’ personal details could potentially be made publicly available for viewing by fellow students, staff, public, press, potential employers.
“University regulations clearly state that it is a disciplinary offence to engage in behaviour which could bring the University into disrepute – this includes social-media activity.
“The internet and social media are governed by laws relating to defamation and public order, and as a result, there is no such thing as absolute freedom of speech."