Is it ever appropriate for one to ask a Starbucks barista for their social networking names, honestly?

I mean, I'm a regular at one and its a favorite location of mine.
I've spoken to a few baristas there a few times, other than just ordering.

I can see 3 sides to to this:

-Sure because we're all human, so how bad can it be?
-No. You're a customer. Just no. Never.
-Maybe if you get to know them a bit more and talk to them more.

And this isn't just for me. I'm asking for all Starbucks regulars out there.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who's ever thought about this because Starbucks is such a popular chain
and social networking is so popular nowadays.

If no, then no. I won't ask them and I'll tell all others out there not to if anyone asks me.

Whether it is appropriate or not really varies from person to person. Some people will be okay with it and others wont but the only way to know for sure is to ask. Do keep in mind that the best case scenario will be gaining a new associate to network with and the worst case scenario will be you making things awkward - maybe so awkward that you end up losing your favorite coffee shop! So do consider how well you really know them before asking.

marxzero : Then I guess my third - wins then! Thanks!

To ask them you would have to know them outside their business.  Just seeing someone behind the counter and having them get you drinks is one thing.  Hanging out with them in person is completely different.
I work in a business where we have a front desk, many of whom have strong relationships with the members and guests on the other side of the counter.  But they really don't mix the extra curriculars with the business side of things.  Some of our members hang out and are buddies with our staff but it's not the norm.

I would recommend talking to them and getting them outside their work environment and developing an in-person friendship first.  Do that and then start talking social media.

It would be weird for a member, even ones I know a long time, to ask me my facebook account or whatever.  If I see them outside of work, it is no big deal... it's encouraged, even.

xxeliza321xx : No problem! I think asking someone their screen name to network is basically the
" Would you like to be my Friend? " of the digital world.

warmaker : Agreed. Thank god I asked you guys first!

tornadocam : Yep. Seems like you guys are mostly agreeing with my third point lol so third point it'll be

Lol, I used to work at Starbucks
And I've worked a lot of customer service jobs

While it depends on the person, it's important to keep in mind that who a person is at work
and who they are at home
are two completely different thing
I small talked with several customer while working at startbucks
even to the point where I knew several things bout them.
And while it was nice when they came in and joked around
these were not people I was interested in seeing outside of work.
Generally unless the person offers up more than surface details about their own life, I would avoid asking
Or, at least asking in a no pressure way like
"hey, you should give me your facebook info sometime"
And not mention it again

That way, if they don't want to share it, it doesn't get weird
but if they do, that prompts then to go ahead and give you that info

baileyface544 : Okay, but what do you mean by ''more than surface details''? Like what kinda details do you specifically mean?

xxeliza321xx :
I suppose a better word would be impersonal. 
Stuff like, I go to school. I have x piercings (unless they are in weird spots)
Basically, anything they would tell strangers
 

I think this should be a poll, in which case I would definitely vote for the 3rd option. Some people are simply just not comfortable giving out personal info. I would recommend getting to know them more and deciding yourself whether they would be comfortable with giving that info to you. Basically, only if you think they would be comfortable with doing so.

Slythion : How can I determine if they are comfortable, even once I've known them well for a while? Like do you think the question, ''Would you mind....'' help a little? ''By the way, would you mind if we exchange Facebook's? You seem like a cool person!''