Will Facebook Hire Someone Who Doesn't Use Facebook?

When many professionals at Facebook no longer use the platform, it raises interesting questions about company culture and hiring practices.

Inside Story: Dark Facebook Accounts

Among my close friends who work at Facebook, a significant number have 'gone dark' on the platform. This means that their Facebook accounts have essentially been 'turned off.' This transition typically happens after they join the company. Friends and colleagues have no problems engaging with Facebook, but for these insiders, it feels as if a light switch has been flipped off.

Most of these professionals are acquihires, which means they were part of a company that Facebook acquired. This can add an additional layer of complexity to maintaining a public profile on social media.

The Political and Social Trap

Engaging with Facebook can be a conduit for political discussions and social issues. In today's society, these topics are widespread and inescapable. Even individuals who try to avoid them will still face a constant stream of content from their friends and acquaintances on the platform. The temptation to participate is almost overwhelming.

In the tech industry, particularly in tech giants like Google, Apple, and Facebook, discussing certain topics can be risky. There's a saying in Silicon Valley: conversations about controversial topics can be a "third rail," leading to social isolation or facing prohibitions from engaging in certain groups.

For example, not wanting to be seen as pushing a political agenda or engaging in contentious discussions can result in individuals being perceived as insubordinate or unreliable. Consequently, they choose to avoid these discussions altogether to protect their careers. This behavior is known as Resting And Vesting.

The Price of Privacy

Multitudes of my acquaintances—employees who are not merely interns but who founded companies and engineers hired before Facebook's IPO—are deeply invested in their stock options. These professionals are holding onto significant financial stakes and are not willing to risk them.

Talking about topics like Donald Trump or the U.S. Census asking about race for political reasons is not worth the risk. The potential to lose a significant amount of money serves as a strong deterrent. As Cisco once humorously said, an absolute idiot would throw away a quarter of a billion dollars to comment on the Kavanaugh nomination on Facebook. This resonates with many employees at Facebook.

Conclusion: Balancing Public Opinion and Professional Goals

Facebook employees, including those who were once engaged on the platform, now find it more prudent to keep their personal and professional opinions separate. By 'going dark,' they ensure that their decisions and actions do not jeopardize their career prospects or financial futures. This practice is a reflection of the broader hesitancy in the tech industry to engage in high-risk public discussions that could affect their standing and income.

The phenomenon of 'going dark' on Facebook is a testament to the complex interplay between public opinion and professional aspirations in the modern workplace. It highlights the challenges of balancing personal and professional identities in an age where social media is a ubiquitous presence in everyday life.