Some people may think online social networking is private. But they’re wrong.

If you post something on the Internet, the world can see it. And if the world sees something illegal, you can go to jail because of it.

CNN reported on Oct. 21 that 28-year-old Sandor Ferenci was jailed for 12 weeks for speeding and doing dangerous stunts on his motorcycle. His YouTube video was used as evidence.

This is proof that Internet videos can really be used as grounds for arrest.

“It is illegal either way. It doesn’t change the fact that it is on YouTube,” said Tom Rompella, senior physical education major.

Being unprofessional online can have the same rough circumstances as being unprofessional in person. No one should expect evidence of any illegal activity to not warrant a reaction.

Everyone should avoid the potential traps of Internet networking.

Potentially, future employers or even college admissions officers can check Facebook or MySpace, and that idea doesn’t sit well with some students.

“It is your personal space, it is like digging through your closet,” said Nicole Honeycutt, sophomore nursing major.

While posting anything on any social networking site, users should be careful about how they depict themselves.

There is a fine line between networking with friends in an unprofessional manner and posting something that could get you in trouble.

Posting anything with drugs and alcohol or illegal acts is obviously not advised.

“If you think employers shouldn’t see it, then it is inappropriate,” Rompella said.

The world sees your online profile as a valuable tool in the professional world.

Students should learn this fact quickly. Keep what you post on the Internet appropriate and reasonable.

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