The dilemma: In my spare time I spend a lot of time online, but I have recently started a new job and discovered that lots of my colleagues have profiles on sites such as Facebook and MySpace. I use these sites to keep in touch with friends and regularly post blogs and photographs. But I don’t want my colleagues knowing everything about my private life. Should I tone my profile down or stop using the sites altogether?

Gillian Dowling, technical consultant, Croner www.croner.co.uk

Personal blogs are becoming increasingly popular inside and outside the workplace. In a survey we recently commissioned, more than a third of people questioned admitted to posting information about their employer, workplace or colleagues on a blog.

You need to be aware that posting such messages could ultimately lead to dismissal for gross misconduct should an employer identify blogs as discriminating or bullying other employees, or placing a negative impact on an organisation's corporate image. However, you should not stop using sites altogether for fear of intrusion into your private life.

You just need to remember to be cautious and constantly aware of what comments you are posting. Never disclose private information about a company or post derogatory comments about colleagues. You should also think about limiting your time spent on such sites during working hours.

The message is clear. Blogging is here to stay and could be for good. But remember to blog safely.

Helen Russell, vice-president of human resources, Yahoo! Europe uk.yahoo.com

This poses an interesting question. Social media sites are great tools to connect people to their passions, their communities and the world’s pool of knowledge. We at Yahoo! believe in this and in fostering a thriving online community.

However, as with any public forum, it is important to make sure that as an employee you take responsibility for what you choose to disclose.

I would always encourage you to consider that what you are posting is public and likely to be seen and read by executives and colleagues within the company, so pragmatic corporate responsibility should be your approach. Even if you do follow this approach it is also worth noting that most of these sites have option settings that allow you to keep your information private – so that it can be seen only by your friends and family – instead of public, where it can be seen by anyone logging on to the site.

As long as you take a sensible approach and adhere to these guidelines there shouldn’t be any reason why these types of tools should not be enjoyed at your leisure.

Do you agree with this advice? Write to us at: career@thetimes.co.uk

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