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Can Your Facebook or Friendster Profile Ruin Your Career?

Social networking sites like Facebook or Friendster provide young web users with a venue for self-expression and social interaction. Both sites' influence among today's web users can be seen in its inclusion among the Top 20 most popular sites around the world.

Originally envisioned by its creators as online dating services, these sites have become 'meeting places' for family, friends, former classmates and of course potential partner seekers who are separated by geography but can communicate through the internet by simply being referred to each other by mutual friends. The process involves creating a profile ' answering several questions such as basic information (gender, location, etc.) and personality indicators (favorite movies, favorite books, interests, etc.) and adding 'Friends' or profiles of people you know to your 'Friends List.' You can then view their profiles and that of their friends in your extended network.

However, as with other public spaces on the Internet, there is no way to guarantee that the persons viewing your profile are the persons you want to see it.

Jobseeker Marie shares her experience: 'I was looking forward to working with a New Zealand