Using Social Media to Enhance Background Checks

In the past decade, social media has become an essential part of daily life for the majority of people. With technological advancements and the widespread use of smartphones, nearly 80% of the global population actively engages on social media platforms. For private investigators, this offers a wealth of opportunity to gather critical information.

Social media is no longer just a platform for personal connections—it's a powerful tool for investigation. Whether it's a case of infidelity or a corporate background check, investigators frequently turn to social media to uncover valuable insights. In one notable case in 2009, a woman in Ohio discovered her husband had a second wife by checking his Facebook profile. Stories like this underscore the importance of social media in modern investigations.

Social Media in Employment and Investigations

It's not only private investigators who are tapping into the power of social media. A recent CareerBuilder survey revealed that 70% of employers use social media to screen job applicants, which means social media is now a common tool for employers to gauge potential hires before making decisions. It is a way to confirm a candidate’s character, work ethic, and even their social behavior.

For investigators, social media provides a unique window into an individual’s life. Investigators can examine patterns of behavior, personal beliefs, and social activities to gain insights into their subject. For instance, a person’s frequent posting of photos might signal a neurotic personality, as one study found that individuals who are prone to stress often communicate more through images than words.

Key Areas Where Social Media Can Supplement Background Checks

• The Obvious Red Flags
  For employers, the most obvious issues often involve inappropriate content. Social media profiles may reveal provocative images, posts about alcohol or drug use, illegal behavior, or discriminatory remarks. According to the CareerBuilder survey, employers are also concerned with any negative comments about coworkers, managers, or organizations, as well as instances where an applicant shares confidential work-related information.
• The Importance of Timing
  The timing of posts can also be critical. Investigators might notice discrepancies, such as a subject posting frequently during work hours, which contradicts their claim of being employed in a fast-paced environment. Similarly, whether someone checks in at every stop on an overseas vacation in real time or posts everything only after returning home can reveal important details about their behavior.
• Privacy Settings: A Clue to Confidentiality
  People who maintain strict privacy settings on their social media profiles often indicate a strong sense of confidentiality, which may be an asset in many investigations. Investigators can also uncover multiple profiles— a family-oriented one versus a more professional one, for example. This could reveal how someone balances their work and personal life, which could be a key piece of information for certain types of investigations.
• The Role of Associates and Public Posts
  Even if a subject’s profile is set to private, it’s often easy to access their “friends” and associates, many of whom may have less restrictive privacy settings. If an investigator cannot access the subject's posts directly, it’s still possible to gather information by checking interactions, such as comments or “likes” on controversial topics or photos.
• Don’t Overlook Other Platforms
  While Facebook remains the most popular social media network, platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and even older ones like MySpace can hold valuable data. Investigators should broaden their search across multiple platforms to gather a full picture. For example, even a seemingly irrelevant post from years ago could be critical— whether it’s an old party photo or a serious criminal conviction.
• Beyond the Apps: Searching through Search Engines
  Search engines can still uncover links and connections to profiles and other online data that might not be easily found within the social media apps themselves. Investigators should use all available resources to dig deeper and confirm findings from various platforms.
• Positive Insights
  While negative red flags often attract attention, social media is also an excellent source for discovering positive aspects of an individual’s life. If someone frequently shares photos of their volunteer work or family outings, these insights could present them as a trustworthy and stable candidate for a job or a relationship.
• No Social Media? It Could Be a Red Flag
  In many cases, a lack of social media presence can be as suspicious as having too much. If an individual claims to be comfortable with social media but doesn’t have a single profile, it’s worth investigating further. This could indicate a deliberate attempt to hide something.
• Social Media Scrutiny for Current Employees
  Not only do employers check candidates' social media profiles, but over half of companies also monitor the social media accounts of their existing employees. A significant portion of businesses have disciplined or even terminated employees for inappropriate posts or behavior online.
• Remaining Professional
  As a private investigator, it’s essential to respect privacy boundaries, even when accessing social media content. While many profiles are public, some are not, and an investigator should always be careful not to cross any ethical lines when collecting information. It’s also crucial for investigators to keep their own social media profiles professional and private to avoid jeopardizing their credibility.

In Conclusion

Social media has undeniably become a crucial tool for investigators. It allows them to gather an array of useful information—from behavioral patterns to character assessments—and can even confirm or contradict statements made by a subject. By using social media as an investigative tool, investigators can provide a comprehensive background check and uncover hidden truths.

For more information about conducting thorough background checks or to discuss your case, Contact Probe Services Pvt. Ltd. today.