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It's not a matter of whether they are allowed or not, for the Internet is there and it's available to everyone in the world with an Internet connection. So if an employer wants to take a look at your page at MySpace or any other of the popular sites, then he or she is just as free to look there as all those other billions that have access to the website.

The same goes for private websites and weblogs. Everyone can read it, so be careful what you put on your website or write on a blog. If you are mad with your boss and you write about that on your blog, then it might happen that your boss knows where to find your blog. Then don't be surprised if that information is used to fire you.
And yes, it might also work the other way around. If an employer sees a page on Facebook of someone who might be just perfect for a vacancy he has, then you might get your dream job that way. What's wrong with that? Again, the Internet is available to everyone, also your neighbors, your ex-partner and employers.

If there are things that you don't want certain people to know, then never ever publish it on the Internet. Even when you have removed the information it will still be available for a very long time, as there are archives everywhere and getting information removed is very difficult, often impossible. So be careful with expressing your opinions about sensitive subjects on discussion boards or reveal medical information about yourself on a forum. Use nicknames for such things, so that you can't be traced. Or don't mention it at all, if you want to be absolutely safe. E-mail groups are usually a bit safer, but also then you don't know who are the members, so also be a bit careful there. It's very easy to type something and click on a button, but you can't always oversee the consequences of that simple action.

The Internet is a great medium for all kinds of things, but many people forget that the whole world can access the same websites as you. Privacy on line doesn't really exist, so don't expect it. If you keep that in mind you won't get unpleasant surprises.

Learn more about this author, Rixta Francis.
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