Social networking sites have become such a part of modern life that most of the generation Y users do not stop to think of the potential long term dangers of posting their everyday activities on the web.
Whilst it is possibly entertaining or interesting to know your friends' every move, whether they got drunk on their evening out and to what extent, or who did what at the latest party, users of social networking sites must learn to think ahead.
2005, a lifetime ago in Internet technology terms,
Execunet conducted research on the usage of search engines by recruiters. Even then, over 70% of employers and recruiters were using search engines to check out possible employees and over 30% of these potential employees were being rejected as a result of the research.
Times have moved on, as have the social networking sites, and the potential for employers to check on prospective employees is far greater and expanding. I am constantly surprised by the naivety of candidates with regard to their online profiles.
For the sake of your future:
- When you create profiles, please make sure that the privacy settings are stringent, only trusted people can look you up
- Think before you post. Don't let ill thought-out comments come back to haunt you in the future
- Be particularly aware of remarks about your drinking, drug and tobacco usage
- Google yourself at regular intervals to try and ensure only the most wholesome of information is available about you
You don't have to change who you are, but you do have to safeguard your private life. Think ahead, protect your future.
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