Casual postings can spread serious ripples

Facebook posts might seem breezy and casual, but it’s important to consider the possible ramifications to your professional reputation and love life, local experts say. In both arenas the social networking site, as well as similar sites such as MySpace, can be helpful or harmful.

At Clark College in Vancouver, career counselors stress the importance of networking to tap into the “hidden job market,” and sites such as Facebook are valuable networking tools, said Edie Blakley, director of career and employment services. Facebook offers opportunities for people to post information about their educational and work backgrounds that can serve almost as a resume, Blakley said. Facebook status updates also give job seekers the opportunity to let all their friends and their friends’ friends know what type of position they’re looking for and what qualifications they have.

But mass updates of personal information pose risks as well as opportunities. It’s common for companies to use Facebook to vet potential employees, Blakley said. Therefore it’s important to keep profiles professional, and avoid posting profane or controversial comments or photos that show drinking, drug use, nudity or semi-nudity, Blakley said. Those really serious about looking for a job might consider taking down their Facebook pages and using a professional networking site such as LinkedIn instead, she added.

Exercising care on Facebook is as important in matters of the heart as it is in business, according to Vancouver love coach Rinatta Paries, who relies on personal experience and lessons learned from the online life coach training program Coach U to help people find and maintain healthy relationships. Facebook gives people the opportunity to list their relationship status, but doing so is only a good idea for those sure of their situation, Paries said.

“If you are just dating someone and you jump the gun and say you’re in a relationship that links to them, that can put pressure on them, and they might not be ready for that,” Paries said.

Only change your status from “single” to “in a relationship” if you’ve met your partner’s friends and family and are integrated into his or her life, Paries said. Likewise, don’t switch from “married” or “in a relationship” to “single” unless you’re sure there’s no hope of reconciliation. Changing relationship status is not a good way to play games or indicate that you’re annoyed with your partner.

“I would never use Facebook to air out arguments or say, ‘It’s complicated,’” another relationship status option that conveys ambiguity, Paries said.

While Facebook can be tricky for couples, it also can present a milestone when both partners decide it’s time to change their status to “in a relationship with (fill in the blank),” Paries said. It also offers opportunities for singles to connect.

Facebook is kind of like a free dating site, Paries said. People can indicate that they’re looking to date or start a relationship, and their entire network sees that information. They can also include pictures and information about their interests, and maybe a friend or a friend of a friend will prove good match.

“Your extended network of friends might know someone who’s a great fit,” Paries said.