The way we communicate has drastically changed.
If you need evidence, just think of Facebook. 500 million people actively use the social networking site.
But posting your personal thoughts is less private than you think. Employers are using social networking to make decisions about your future.
If you've ever had a bad day at work and wanted to vent about it? Well, here's a tip: Don't do it on Facebook.
Employers have an increased interest in what you're writing on your wall.
You've seen the headlines -- from Connecticut to Massachusetts and Pennsylvania -- employees losing jobs for their jabber on Facebook.
"It's private, but it's not, because anyone can see anything," said Greg Gillespie, V.P. of Human Resources at St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center.
For the first time ever, the National Labor Relations Board issued a complaint over Facebook postings. It's currently negotiating the case in Connecticut. A woman there says her employer fired her for negative remarks about her boss.
The NLRD said the move is illegal and it wants employers to know, it's closely watching social networking policies.
Here in Nebraska, Gillespie will tell you, employers are paying attention to your posts.
"Applicants really need to think of Facebook or social media as an extension of their resume," he said.
However, he cautions businesses to be careful.
"From the employer side, when you're looking at an applicant, we prefer that only HR (human resources) does that,.not the director or hiring person," said Gillespie. "We want to be careful we don't discriminate against the applicant and I think that's the most important thing; that you're making your decisions on prudent information."
Kathleen Neary, a trial attorney at Vince Powers & Associates, said she's aware of employers who, when interviewing prospective applicants for a job, will go on their Facebook and try to friend them to see what their social activities are or what they do in their free time.
At St. Elizabeth, employees have to sign a social media policy and managers enforce it.
"Yes, we have had disciplinary action based on Facebook. A lot of times it's education and learning," said Gillespie.
But consider yourself lucky if you're merely educated.
Neary says in Nebraska, employers can give you the boot for what you post on Facebook.
"They don't have a case."
Neary tells her clients typing anything on facebook, is like putting up a billboard at 27th and O streets.
"If you don't want the whole community of Lincoln or the world to know -- don't put it on Facebook," Neary said.
Gillespie said common sense is key to the whole thing.
If you can't fight the urge to share via Facebook, here's a few tips before you type.
"If you're posting something that's questionable, think in your mind, would I print off these pages of Facebook and hand them to a potential employer," said Neary.
Gillespie said the most concerning comments would be those that could be considered harassment or discriminatory.
"The things you would assume in a work place can be extended now because of social media," he said.
And be weary of who you allow as a "friend" on Facebook.
"If there are people who have friended you who make questionable comments or blogs on your facebook pages, defriend them immediately," said Neary.
It's insight that could save you from becoming the next headline: Fired over Facebook.
