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Clark Howard's Tips

June 13, 2006

If you have children in high school or college, they may have profiles on one of the following: Facebook, Myspace, Friendster or Xanga.

These virtual communities are all the go with 20-somethings and sometimes older people prowling for innocent youngsters, as we've learned. The teens and young adults who post on these sites talk openly about topics one might write in a diary.

But on the sites it seems okay to post virtually. The pictures people post are very telling as well, with some risk takers committing illegal acts in the photos.

Employers are now using these sites as a way to find out more about potential hires.

NYU surveyed recruiters and every company they talked to is now doing this. People aren't getting hired as a result of what they're posting on these sites. So be aware.

Companies see this as a red flag because they don't want free spirits who might cause trouble for them with wild behavior.

Consumer advice courtesy of