TheApple

 When the President of the United States warns schoolchildren to watch what they say and do on Facebook, you know that we've got a problem...and it's not one limited to the U.S.'s borders, either. People everywhere are mindlessly over-sharing on the world's largest social network, without a second thought as to who's reading their posts or what effect it could have on them further down the road. For example, did you know that 30% of today's employers are using Facebook to vet potential employees prior to hiring? In today's tough economy, the question of whether to post those embarrassing party pics could now cost you a paycheck in addition to a reputation. (Keep that in mind when tagging your friends' photos, too, won't you?)

But what can be done? It's not like you can just quit Facebook, right? No - and you don't have to either. You just need to take a few precautions.

http://www.nytimes.com/external/readwriteweb/2009/09/16/16readwrite...

I completely agree that this fad regarding social networking needs to be curbed to its true and realistic level. Kids have taken to it like life, and I have had many ocassions where there are fights or bad feelings which have arisen due to some comment or maybe tag done a photo.

I think grown ups should be able to explain to kids the need for discretion in one's life and how it can prove to be helpful in the long run.

For the most part, I agree with what everyone, including the president is saying about watching what you say on Facebook or other social networking sites. I think people should, to a point do that anyway, off the computer and on. But, in the same token, I think that people should have the right to vent and using such sites may be their only outlet. I don't think employers should bank their final decision of a potential employee on what he/she sees on a computer site. I don't feel it breaks any privacy laws, as people are putting the information out there at their own risk, but I feel it takes advantage of the persons situation by holding them to what is said in these sites. I especially look at teenagers in this sense. Granted, as I stated above, teens should take more responsibility and have better manners in dealing with what they have to say to someone, offline or online, but I don't feel that information should be used against them when they are thirty.

I wonder what employers/bosses would feel if the same criteria were used against them. It isn't just teens that open mouth and insert foot (or take raunchy or inappropriate photos).

Bottom line, when looking at someone for a job, look at their resume, not their Facebook page.