The Validity of Social Media–Based Career Information

an article by James P. Sampson, Debra S. Osborn, Pei‐Chun Hou and Adam K. Miller (Florida State University, USA), Jaana Kettunen (University of JyväskyläJyväskylä, Finland) and Julia P. Makela (University of Illinois, USA) published in The Career Development Quarterly Volume 66 Issue 2 (June 2018)

Abstract

The use of social media expands the availability and sources of career information. However, the authorship of this information has changed from traditional print media and multimedia sources created by experts to social media–based career information created by the users themselves.

Although variability in career information validity has been an issue for some time, rapid growth in the use of social media creates some unique challenges. The ease with which social media–based career information can spread creates the potential for rapid widespread dissemination of disinformation and biased perceptions.

Potential sources of invalidity include intentional bias (with or without profit motive), unintentional bias, restricted range of experience, out‐of‐date information, popularity bias, similarity bias, and context deficiency.

The authors examine potential sources of social media–based career information invalidity and suggest implications for practice to help individuals make the best use of such information.

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