There is no use in denying it--Facebook is simply awesome. Who doesn’t love posting photos of friends under the visible effects of over-indulgence on “cake and ice cream” at some party? What could possibly be the harm in posting a comment relating one’s religious views?
As it turns out, reckless use of Facebook may have unforeseen consequences when applying to reputable universities.
Being the nation of Facebook fiends that we are, it can prove difficult not to misuse our own social-networking powers.
In recognition of this fact, colleges and employers alike are taking it upon themselves to take a healthy gander at applicants’ Facebook profiles in order to ensure that only the worthwhile and wholesome applicants who vary from societal norms make the cut. In 2008, 200 colleges acknowledged their visits to social-networking cites as well as the high percentage of pages that influenced the decision one way or the other--twenty-five percent of profiles had a positive influence on a student’s application, and thirty-eight percent had a negative impact.
So perhaps taking that second thought before uploading those potentially embarrassing photos may be warranted.
“Facebook is a very public representation,” said Crissy Cheney of the College and Career Center.  “It offers only the illusion of privacy.”