E-mail: the new social network

Everything nowadays seems to be social networking. Facebook, Facebook, a little MySpace, and more Facebook. And everybody appears to put just about everything on these social networking sights to share with the rest of the world. A constant conversation we revert back to in class is how people should be wary of what they place on their social networking pages because recruiters and possible employers are scanning these pages so they get a better look at the possible employee.

Is this right? I don't think so; but if the information is out there and is open to others, why wouldn't they dig it up and check it out? It seems like a smart business move if they can avoid hiring people that could potentially become a liability.

Well things may be changing if the newest form of social networking has anything to say. And that would be e-mail. There are some new applications, like one called Thunderbird, that will allow internet users to use their e-mail accounts as their social networking page. This can limit what content is shared to people in user's address book based solely on the activity they have with them whether it's business or personal.

I feel this is the future because it will help limit the potential "dirt" others can find on you, and also simplify things for all users. Instead of having to go to several pages to check your e-mail, facebook, etc., it can turn into a hit on one website for all. In a society where time is everything, this seems to be the way to go.