Using Common Sense in Deciding What to Post on Social Networking Sites

I recently got the shock of my life when I saw someone, who I once viewed as a professional, had posted a very risqué profile picture on Facebook. It instantly changed my mind. If I am affected this way - what about the person's colleagues, potential clients and friends? They are bringing shame to those around them by proxy. I think a lot of people have the misconception that, what they do online is private. I'm here to tell you - you couldn't be more wrong, in fact, now there are sites that collect data on individuals, based on their Social Network site postings.

I'm unable to come to any logical conclusion why a person would degrade themselves in this way. For the record, I am no prude. I think in the proper context, the naked body is a beautiful thing. If you pose for an artist, who paints a nude of you and sells it in their gallery, that is the proper forum. On Facebook, improper and inappropriate. Wouldn't you be mortified if your child's teacher saw your public display? It could open up can's of worms you can never hope to close again.

If the intention was to find a mate or a lover, that is even worse. What type of guy do you think such an indiscreet photo is going to attract? - Let's just say it probably isn't the type you were hoping for, rather the opposite. It's likely to attract only sex offenders, stalkers and creeps. No upstanding individual is going to be ok with his potential mate's lewd behavior. Not to mention that it screams "I'm desperate". All solid relationships should contain mutual respect - how can anyone respect you, if you don't respect yourself?

There is nothing that can justify this. Furthermore, even if you think yours is the most beautiful naked body ever (a great many people may not agree) than save it to show to your boyfriend, when you find one (if ever). Not everyone on Facebook wants to see it. I don't want my kids seeing it. You can feel proud of your body all you want behind your four walls but, you should have more common sense than to put it up in a public forum. Some things are meant to be kept behind closed doors and private.

When you put something on Facebook, or any other Social Networking Site, it is there for the world to see, it is not private. If you suspend good judgment and, decide to post pictures of yourself that folks will find offensive, expect that they will tell you. In fact, if you do something that may be regrettable to you later, your real friends will tell you first. Don't let impulse take over your rational mind. Think it through carefully before you post photo's or comments on Social Networking Sites. You never know who may be watching.