There have been quite a few stories in the news recently, both here in South Africa and abroad, about people loosing their jobs because of their online activity.

The legalities and ethics of this make for great debate, although I am not going to comment on them in this particular post.

The point is that people need to realise that they are up for as much scrutiny online than they are in the “real world”, if not more. But unlike an unfortunate episode at a drunken party that people may eventually forget, being a dumbass online can stick with you for a very long time. You are likely to be researched by anyone from employers and clients, to partners and your boyfriends mother. And that crazy stalker ex-girlfriend, of course – the one that set fire to your car and had 200 pizzas sent to you at your office that you had to pay for.

So, if you don’t want people to be able to see your particular dirty laundry, put it where it is not publically available. We are watching you. All the time.