Facebook Warnings!

I am a social network fan. I like updating my profile page with my random thoughts, pictures, applications, game updates, etc. I see social network’s potential to regain old friends and create new ones. Business networks, event gatherings, acquaintances, these are made easier with the click of a button. Work productivity with colleagues can be enhanced just typing away for hours and collaborating via social networks.

Wow, social networking has indeed made a big mark on my life and to many others I bet.

Recently browsing through Youtube for blog topic inspiration, I stumbled upon random videos about being careful of what you post in the Internet.

Posting on net declares you provide your material to be in public domain. Indeed, there are services available online to provide necessary copyright but these can be quite senseless if everyone still has access to data that could be shared EVERYWHERE in cyberspace.

Focusing on the topic at hand, Facebook has indeed dominated lives of many individuals. Much as we enjoy personalizing our profile pages, we must be reminded that too much “personalization” could cost us a lot, including our lives and career.

Here are some items to remember when posting on Facebook or anywhere in the Internet.

1. Inappropriate Pictures
Avoid inappropriate pictures which may affect your career or personal relationship with anybody. It doesn’t need to be said, if prospective employers or clients see an image of you chugging a bottle or wearing sleazy outfits to a bar night, it wouldn’t account any points for you to be hired.

2. Current Job Complaints
Ah, I’m sure everyone has done this one time or another. I could be a note of how you hate the office or a simple status on how your boss destroyed your day. Either way, if your employer or a fellow employee sees this it will not give a good impression.

I admit I have done this a few times but I made sure I never mention any names within it. I may rant, be frustrated or angry but I make it a point not to mention games for confidentiality purposes. Besides, if the source of my angst are pretty much aware that the update was directed to them, they couldn’t complain about it via comment or else the whole world would know it was them I was referring too. LOL. I am not saying to follow my practice nor would I declare it to be a safe way to release your feelings. That is just how I did facebook status’.

3. Posting Conflicting Information to Your Resume
In your resume you posted that your school is Harvard but your Facebook profiles states you went to UCLA. You will likely be immediately cut from interview list. Any form of dishonesty, no matter how harmless it is, will make you look like a liar.

4. Not Understanding Your Security Settings
Default mode of Facebook is to be on full-stalker mode. Meaning, anyone and everyone can view you, add you up, post on your wall, view your images, etc. And I do mean ANYONE. Social networking IS a public thing but it does not mean we want our lives to be stalked by everyone on the planet.

It is possible to customize lists of friends and decide what each list can and cannot see. Unfortunately, many people do not even discover or explore these settings. If you are to use Facebook professionally, make sure to take time going through privacy options.

Basically, make sure your profile is viewed ONLY by the people you trust.

6. Losing by Association
It’s true you cannot control what post on your profile. If a potential client or employer sees a tagged picture of you falling down drunk from a party, it would definitely reflect poorly on you. Thus, it is necessary to constantly check your profile for any images or information that could reflect poorly on you. This may also include information you won’t want your loved ones to see.

Facebook can either HIRE or FIRE you.
The best way to protect your reputation is to have two Facebook accounts. One for personal information and the other for professional purposes. This way you would be able to separate necessary friends and contacts and avoid unnecessary wrong impressions.