I think this is more in line with how hiring works for senior jobs. I've been part of 50+ hiring decisions and do it like this.

Social stuff is absolutely the first thing I'm checking. It's a quick test to spot total lies, e.g. you claim you worked somewhere but are connected with zero people on any social network, or claim attendance at a school with zero connection to anyone. If nothing else, it helps to build rapport for the interview.

I would 100%, absolutely trust a personal recommendation over a dumb whiteboard interview.