It seems every year brings a few students who fail to realize that anything posted on Facebook is visible to nearly anyone, and that unwise posting brings consequences.

A few weeks ago, some underage ISU and University of Iowa football players joined that list when they posted photos of themselves holding alcohol on Facebook.

“Things like this happening are really a shot across our bow, warning us as to the aftereffects of this medium if used incorrectly,” said Thomas Hill, vice president for student affairs.

Michelle Boettcher, assistant dean of students, said students don’t always realize who can see online profiles.

“The thing that students need to know is that Facebook and MySpace are not private; lots of people can access whatever you decide to put up there,” Boettcher said.

This is not a new problem students face. The number of incidents that have involved the use of Facebook material is increasing across the nation.

Given the statistics, one would think that showing how peoples’ online postings could hurt them would be a good idea. However, Hill said that might not accomplish as much as some would think.

“It’s a problem of context. If someone took pictures of you every time you clowned around, it’d be bad news for you,” he said. “Hopefully, students can realize that what they see as innocent fun may not be so when it’s moved to a different medium.”

ISU Police Cmdr. Gene Deisinger said using Facebook as a tool for investigation doesn’t happen very often.

“It depends on the value of information – what it would add to our report,” he said.

Boettcher said the key is for students to manage their own profiles.

“If you’re using Facebook, know what’s up there. Monitor what people post that involves you,” she said.

Another good idea would be to check the privacy settings of your profile. Determine who has access to your page and change it if you feel the need to.

“Everyone, students and faculty, need to learn how to use Facebook properly because it is a new form of communication,” Deisinger said. “Some people will be able to manage themselves and be fine while others will only learn by consequences.”

Hill said students need to learn how to use online profiles.

“The problem with most students is that the only way they’re going to learn is if they get hit,” Hill said. “I’d rather they didn’t learn that way, because that is an expensive lesson.”