Last year, the popularity of social networks reached astonishing heights. All over the world, it seemed that everyone suddenly decided to join one social network or another. While it all seems innocuous on the surface, there are some financial implications of joining these networks. Maybe you’ve thought about these, but in case you haven’t, let me point some out.

Your chances of landing a job may be affected. In a bad way, is what I mean. I am sure you have heard of people getting in trouble at work because of Facebook. You might even have heard of prospective employers checking out the Facebook accounts of applicants. This is all true. While what you do and put on Facebook is your personal business, what potential employers see can affect their decision. And if you don’t get a job just because an employer’s impression was affected by your Facebook account, that would really be a bummer. Solution? Make sure you keep your profile private and that you really know who your Facebook friends are.

You can be tracked down more easily by collectors. This one is a no brainer. You may be ignoring phone calls and mail from collectors but they can always track you down online. The solution is the same as above. More so, do not publish details such as phone numbers and addresses.

You open up the risk for identity theft. There will always be scammers online despite the best efforts of social network security. Again, just make sure that you do not divulge any specific information that can be used by others.