Social networks are far from the sole province of youngsters, however. Services such as LinkedIn and Ryze have a clear business focus. But whether for work, fun, or a combination of the two, it's vital that you maintain strict control over your various online personae.

Turning traditionally private pursuits into public events often comes back to haunt online revelers. Just as companies create a corporate image that conveys their core purpose and virtues, individuals project an online image through social networking sites, blogs, e-mail, photo and video sharing, and other online activities. Your image can have an immediate impact on how friends, family, strangers, and prospective employers view you. You want to express your individuality, but you also want to get hired. By following the proper steps, you accomplish both.