Facebooks Identity Crisis

I love facebook. I check it constantly, update it neurotically and in general get kinda pissed off when nothing exciting is happening on it. Also, having worked in marketing and currently trying to get a job in PR, I see its powerful ability as a marketing and networking tool. However, lately, my love of Facebook seems to be being infringed upon. How can a website that was designed and created initially for young adults, transfer itself smoothly into the business world, without losing or jeopordizing its primary clientelle? Facebook has an identity crisis.

The Facebook was launched in 2003 as a social networking site, geared primarily to American university students. Unlike its competitors, MySpace, Friendster, Zanga, hi5 and Bebo, Facebook was exclusive, requiring users to be attending a select few universities. In 2005, Facebook opened its doors to Canadian Universities, and high schools in both nations soon followed. Flash forward 5 years and Facebook has over 400 million active users, who divide their time between their personal pages, event pages, fan pages and business profiles. Everyone from your mom, to your boss and your dog are now on Facebook.

Thus, enter my frustration. I was recently told that I ought to tone down my Facebook before applying for jobs. My response of course to this was, "You can't see my profile unless you are my friend, I have high security settings" Which was quickly rebutted by, "They are going to ask for access to your profile, they will want to be your friend"

Soooo I ask u..how does one, who has been posting pictures, chatting, and updating since 2003, manage a profile that is acceptable for a variety of audiences? I don't know how to enjoy Facebook, AND make it acceptable for the less youthful generations..nor do I really think I should have to. In my opinion, a potential employer, asking to see my Facebook profile is unethical, and an invasion of privacy.

Facebook was designed by kids, for kids, as a way to express, connect and converse. I appreciate that it has segueyed into the business world, but I think that before our elders start poking fingers at what is and what isn't acceptable to post on your profile, they need to take a step back and consider what their motives for being on Facebook are in the first place, and secondly, whose turf they are really on.

As a side note, I'd just like to say that I am completely against anything trashy, naked, or blazed being shown on the book. However, a couple (or a 1000) photos of pretty girls at the bar..never hurt anyone. And if anyone disagrees...welp, I hope they enjoy reading my "About Me," cuz when I Limited Profile you...that's all you can see!