Facebook: Friend or Foe?

Do...

1. Create a preferred friends list. From your homepage, click "Friends" in the navigation. Then, on the left under "Lists," click "+Create."

2. Monitor all your privacy settings. Go to "Account." Select "Privacy Settings." Go through every section and make use of the "Customize" option under the tab that determines who is allowed to see what content. Also, be sure to read the privacy agreements carefully.

3. Filter and limit your photos posted. Don't forget that other people can post unflattering pictures – including images of last Saturday's drunken party. Social media and Public Relations Expert Dr. Stephanie Blake said, "In addition to the fact that employers and potential employers may search for you via Facebook, all it takes is a couple of clicks to save posted photos on hard-drives." 

4. Use messages instead of comments for personal conversations. CyberPsychology & Behavior found that disclosure on Facebook was significantly predicted by a need for popularity, an interesting thing to consider during disclosure.   

Realize that even people you aren't friends with can see your Facebook information.

Know that it has become common for people to be screened before being hired and fired. Last year a stadium worker for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dan Leone, was fired after commenting on a football trade on Facebook. Therefore, complaining about your job, boss or co-workers anywhere on Facebook is a poor choice.

Don't

1. Use foul, profane or threatening language.

2. Friend your extremely conservative family members or friends if you aren't willing to be discrete all the time.

3. Accept friend requests from people you don't know.

4. Believe that the delete button erases anything completely.