by Leigh Goessl

Created on: November 04, 2009

Reasons why being on Facebook can sometimes hurt your career

Facebook is an excellent website, especially to those who are looking to network socially or even professionally. Usually professional networking doesn't get people into much trouble on Facebook, however it's the social end that people often stumble into difficulties if they aren't careful.

The reason for this is because occasionally when professional and personal lives clash, explosive things can happen. Most people would agree that there are behaviors, language or attitudes that would never be expressed in the workplace, but would be done socially. The problem with Facebook is it is incredibly hard to separate the two.

In the offline world people can go home and kick off their shoes and let their hair down, so to speak. With Facebook, this doesn't happen. Not only does this not happen, but whatever is said or shared can remain visible indefinitely. Sure comments or photos can be deleted, but if they are seen by a boss or other colleague, this fact cannot be undone, especially if it's been copy and pasted or forwarded.

With social networking sites such as MySpace, people tend to use a chat or other name that is not the same as their real one. Facebook's business model encourages people to use their real names and as a result this can cause problems for those who are connected to their work friends, or even bosses, and this means more people than ever are running into the aforementioned clash scenario.

Here are some of the problematic scenarios that can happen on Facebook that can hurt a career:

*Inappropriate Photographs

One great thing about Facebook is the ability to post and share photos. Unfortunately, a bad thing about Facebook is the ability to post and share photos.

Imagine a scenario when you go out with friends and act in a way that could be construed as unprofessional and come the next day your pals post photos of your evening out. While you may know enough not to post them, others may not give it a thought.

While it's true everyone has the right to do whatever it is they please when they are off the clock, the reality is perceptions of unprofessionalism will impact what employers will say or think. If they get a negative perception on your photos listed on Facebook, unfortunately this could impact future promotions or other career opportunities.

*Break Work Confidentiality

Casual comments made on Facebook can also hurt your career. Accidentally breaking confidentiality can become an issue

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