Maybe others will chime in but my thoughts are:

We need to be aware that the information we are sharing will probably be seen by other prying eyes. I think a good rule of thumb is if you would be embarrassed to show it to your parents than it probably shouldn’t be online. Bottom line - If you (not you personally) are ok with the fact that there are comments or pictures out there that might be considered on the edge but are prepared to discuss them more power to you. I’m not saying don’t post them. I’m saying be prepared to discuss them because they will probably come up.

From a HR point of view, if you are doing a search for this person and their info pops up, I would think you owe it to your organization to have a discussion with the individual about it. The internet is a public place so I feel it’s fair game to bring it up.

I’ve never heard that before but think it’s a great description for what’s going on. My thoughts on whether there will be a shift in attitude or not (let’s stick with your analogy) I think people are going to start using companies to “remove” their tattoos (clean up their internet indiscretions). People that are comfortable putting all of their lives on the net have no problem doing so. I think we will see a growth in companies that manage and, for a fee, clean up online profiles.

It’s hard for me to believe that people really do these types of things to land a job. Are employers SO coveted that people need to spend thousands of dollars to impress someone they’ve never even met?

I have NO problem with some nips and tucks, but please do it because you want to feel great, not to land a job! It’s almost a ridiculous notion to think that you will get hired because of something the average person wouldn’t even notice. You may land the job, but just because you’re pretty doesn’t mean you’re going to keep your job or thrive in it.

Excellent point. As I stated - your friends matter. It’s hard enough keeping control of our images online without worrying about the “contributions” of others to our social media sites.

Thanks for the comment.

I think it’s too easy. People post and forget what they’ve said and then don’t think about potential consequences. Would hate for something like this to be a reason for not getting a job.

That’s for sure. That’s why I suggest people set up daily google alerts to see what’s being said / posted about them.

You’re absoultely correct. My point is to be in charge and awarea of your image. If that’s who you are and you want the world to know it feel free to express it. Just be aware that it can have an impact.

I think there are still many people who don’t understand the ramifications for their online actions. Will be really interesting when they have this info pop up during an interview.