If you're a recent grad, you should think twice about creating a Facebook or MySpace account. An article from MSNBC says that new college graduates are most likely to be the target of Web research from corporations who use this method of background checking for new employees. The booming popularity of online social networking has provided a convenient tool for employers to research candidates and scope out their personal networks and connections. One Human Resource company researched that 66% of Generation Y respondents weren't aware that their online networking can play a role in the hiring process.

So is this a fair method of investigation or is it a violation of privacy? Should one's actions and behavior outside of work really affect judgment on one's performance in the workplace? No matter which side you choose to defend, it's likely that provocative photos or disparaging views on racial or political issues may influence recruiters on the decision making. If you've ever had a personal encounter with this, you can join a message board to discuss or read similar incidents. It's important to keep in mind that although we set options on our profiles to make pictures and blogs private, the internet is an open space that is easy accessible to anyone. Keep that in mind when you decide to post spring break pictures from South Beach.

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