Social Networking Websites: For you or your employer?

It was recently brought to my attention that employers are starting to monitor social-networking websites to phase out potentially bad employees. Many of my friends and I had no idea that this practice was even occurring. However, I was aware of the recent arrest of people who have posted incriminating evidence on these types of websites.
After doing more research I discovered that it is plainly stated in the privacy policy of a popular social networking website that they do allow their users information to be given to a third party. Who could be a third party? Anyone other than you or that website. Basically, the policy states that it is at their discretion to chose who they release your information to; if they think it is necessary.
As a job seeker, I think this is a form of “secret sabotage.” This new way of screening current or potential employees seems like a blatant form of discrimination. When you go to a job interview you dress professionally, you bring your best attitude and are respectful to your potential employer. When you set up an account on a social networking website known for people searching for new friends or social circles, you are probably not thinking that an employer is examining or judging your personal life.
Anyone who has ever held a professional job should know that your professional and personal lives are separate. I think it’s just wrong for an employer to make any professional decision about an employee based on their public access webpage unless there is a criminal aspect somewhere. Besides people could be embellishing their personal profiles to meet the type of people they personally would like to meet. I’m sure they are not setting up these profiles hoping to catch the eye of an employer unless it was specified otherwise.
On the other hand, I have noticed that some people on these websites use it as a launching pad to advertise their music band or other talents. Therefore, I guess there is a fine line to exactly what type of networking is involved in these types of websites.
I understand that these websites are for public viewing. However, I don’t think the intent of the users was to have their employers “checking up” on them. Besides I’m sure if we turn it around, employers wouldn’t like it if their employees knew about aspects of their personal life that they didn’t see necessary to share in a professional setting.The key to all this is to remember that our professional and private lives should remain seperate, unless it is the intention of both parties to share certain voluntary information.
In the future, I would suggest to everyone that if you are going to sign up to use a social networking website that you read all of their terms of use and their privacy policy.
I just think it’s sad, this is a new downfall for the freedom of expression. If our personal lives and preferences are now being judge to determine our professional future,then where is the line drawn between our profession and what is considered our private lives?