EchoD

Social networking websites are some of the most popular the Internet has seen. With thousands, even millions, of other people to network with they’re a fantastic opportunity. A way to meet new people, reunite with old acquaintances, keep tabs on friends, and whatever unique features an individual community might add to these essentials. Honestly, I don’t get it.

Networking with other people does have legitimate purposes. With a little time, some business cards, and diligence, an individual can form a productive and profitable professional social network. These are great for creative professionals and freelancers who frequently work with people in other branches of their field. An example would be a graphic designer networking with a printer. You exchange business cards, talk about what you specialize in, whatever… if anybody comes to the designer looking for a printer he says “I know a guy”. That person then goes to the printer, has his job printed, and says something like “I’m really glad that designer referred me to you. This is great work!” Chances are, if that printer is asked about a graphic designer, he’s going to say “I know a guy” and the designer has a new client. It’s the old you scratch my back, I scratch yours situation—except you’re better off scratching first.

Social Networking as the Internet knows it, however, is little more than a magnified version of the popularity contest that is supposed to end with High School Graduation. It appears to be nothing more than a game of “Look at how many friends I have” with a nice little counter to keep track of score. The only thing I haven’t found on these sites is a leader board. In the end, it’s just as meaningless as aimfight.com.

That’s not to say Social Networking websites don’t do more. Beyond the popularity contests, havens for sexual predators, and a stalkers’ wet dream, there are a few who manage to rise above this and look to the future. The Internet is a great resource for employers to find additional information on you, and Social Networking sites are full of information. But, what information do you present? While I feel keeping your profile limited to career related content is a little silly, if most of the pictures of you revolve around a drunken stupor or a pile of marijuana large enough to fill a swimming pool, you’re probably shooting yourself in the foot.

Let’s face it, our generation is making a lot more information available to the public than previous generations have. With a little searching, an individual can come up with more information on you than you’re aware of. A little Egosurfing comes in handy here; find out what a potential employer can discover about you. That’s not to say Google will come up with every possible result, but it doesn’t hurt. Remember that anybody can register a MySpace account, and most profiles have their security set as loose as that college whore you, and all of your buddies, slept with last weekend (no offense if you’re said whore). There are also many organizations registered with Facebook, and the networking isn’t difficult to figure out. Facebook is slightly more private, but a lot of public information remains.

I know the chances of me making a difference are slim, but the purpose of a rant is ranting for rants sake. I’m not here to make the world happy, I’m here to tell the truth. The truth is: We need to be careful what information we make available. The Internet is largely an insecure medium of data transmission. MySpace and Facebook are considered public, and information about you can help or hinder your future.
Think about it.

If you would like to read more about the subject, see the following articles:
How to use Facebook without Losing Your Job over it —//engtech
MySpace Is Public Space When It Comes To Job Search —CollegeGrad.com