Blogs and social networks can be a great way for corporations to share ideas, knowledge, or just spend time communicating with co-workers outside of the work environment. There are many benefits to more casual communication outside of the workplace, strengthening bonds between individuals without the pressure of being at work. That being said, these interactions should still be professional, and be used as a tool to help each other learn and build rapport. For instance, a blog about a new strategy introduced in the workplace could be discussed civilly by employees to gain a better understanding of why they've made the switch, and what they can look to get out of it. There can even be benefits to personal blogs dissenting about work and the workplace. Frustrated employees can vent their issues and get responses to how they feel. Though this might be frowned upon by the company, I believe there is still merit to letting dissenting blogs have a place. Not everyone will agree with every decision at work, and it is healthy to allow employees to speak their mind, as long as it is used as intended.
The dark side to blogs and social networks in corporations would probably exist when personal blogs garner malicious intent towards the company or possibly individuals at the company. These cases would not be the fault of the company; rather, they would be the extension of the malicious individual who wants to spread negativity, and thus should not be the fault of the company. In the future, I see blogs and social networks as an integral part of the workplace, such as Slack is slowly doing at the moment. Employees are no longer just a face and a badge, but are now coworkers who can share a drink after work and talk about their day. Social networks lead to a much more connected, familial feeling in the workplace, strengthening bonds, and helping to alleviate frustrations.
Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/10/business/media/10carr.html
https://www.wired.com/2009/06/ff-facebookwall/
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