You are what you upload on the Internet

I've always been incredibly cautious, especially when it comes to decisions that could possibly impact my future. I like to have control over my image. I speak carefully and try to screw-up in private. Because I've seen a number of friends' lives permanently changed after they let their guard down or made rash decisions, I am constantly reminding myself that actions usually have consequences. For some reason, I'm not that way on the Internet. The rules I've made up for myself about acceptable behavior in the "real world" don't seem to apply when I'm online. I'll admit something here: I am an idiot when it comes to the way I represent myself on the Internet, probably more than most. If any potential employers were to stumble upon some of the things that have been posted of me in the virtual world, I'd not only be embarrassed, but undoubtedly without a job as well.

Lately, I find myself having dreams about people discovering the secret life I once led online. I imagine finally publishing a novel and having my professional career as a writer tainted by the bad choices I made when I didn't fully comprehend that the Internet is real life and not some magical place that absolves you of all responsibility. And while I have stopped most of the seriously stupid, and frankly dangerous, behavior that I participated in, I still make mistakes online, even though I try to remember that whatever I do on the Web can and probably will come back to bite me in the future.

This was made especially obvious when someone recognized me from something on the Internet. As they called me by the name I had used then, I suddenly understood that I do not lead two separate lives. What happens online represents the real you, and what you do on the computer will forever impact your world, no matter how small or insignificant your actions may seem to be.

Despite my previous "anything goes" attitude, I'm making strides. Over the past few months, I've become increasingly aware of how a Facebook status, picture or hastily written blog post could not only affect my future in my chosen professional field - at least I'm not going into politics - but my future as a happy, successful woman as well.

Yes, the Internet is fantastic. I love it. I'm a big fan. But I can also confidently write that it causes a lot of harm. Think about graduating from college. Chances are, we'll still be in a recession, and competition for jobs will continue to be fierce. Now think about your Facebook profile. Does it look like Hailey Glassman's? Is your main picture of you holding an incredibly graphic inflatable replica of something? Have you ever typed the word "kush" into any of your social networking profiles? Do your interests include poop and vodka? If so, please think about your future.

Not only does it make you seem slightly ridiculous, but according to a 2009 study by Careerbuilder.com, 45 percent of approximately 2,600 hiring managers surveyed reported that they use social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter when screening potential employees. Another survey found that over 35 percent of employers surveyed reconsidered a job candidate after reviewing their social networking profiles and presence online.

It may seem unfair for employers to judge you based on what they find on the Internet, but you don't want to lose your dream job - or any job - because you didn't think about the effect your virtual life could have on your real one. As the Internet becomes an increasingly pervasive part of society, it's going to become a larger part of our lives. What's important to remember is that what you do on the Internet is not isolated. It doesn't matter how you behave outside of the Internet if your online persona doesn't reflect how fabulous, intelligent and professional you are. The best resumé in the world won't change the fact that you have an album dedicated to your drunken exploits on Spring Break.

There is no doubt in my mind that what you do on the Internet can change your life, and sometimes in a negative way. If you're cautious about how you appear on the street or in a job interview, do the same on the Internet. Take it from a girl who no longer has control of her personal or professional image: it's better to be safe than sorry.