The other day a friend of mine, who is a very prominent business leader, posted something online that I knew would come back to bite him someday. I called him to ask the question "what were you thinking?" His response, "not that many people will read that response I left to the blog." That might be the case, but one thing about the Internet is whatever you put out there can stay out there forever. Years later someone might dig up that blog post and I 100% guarantee it will cost them millions in future and current business.

Is he allowed to have an opinion and express it? Of course, that is one of the many benefits of living in this country. But, just be aware that with the growing popularity or the internet and especially social networking (Twitter, Facebook, blogging, forums), past statements are more likely to haunt you in the future.

With social networking people have become much more relaxed with what they say online. Regardless of your opinion on the openness of social networking, the reality is, many employers now search your social networks before making hiring decisions and some larger companies are starting to monitor their employee’s activities online. These new practices are met with much debate, but they are occurring, and people aren't getting the job or are being terminated just based on posts they made online.

If you think social networking can't affect your career, talk to the medical students being expelled from med school. Imagine, you work your whole life to get the best grades, pass grueling entrance exams, only to be expelled due to content you put up on the Internet. Somehow, the medical school didn't share in the students thoughts of "it was only a joke."

For the most part you are free to say just about anything online and I am not for censoring anyone, just making them aware that what they say today will be around for a long time, so make sure it is something you wouldn't mind seeing in 20 years. A good friend once told me, "Live your life like there is a tape recorder in your pocket and at any given time, someone can come along and press play. Make sure you are proud of what people may hear."