social media - it's no place for the timid

I wonder if it's bitchy of me... but every time I talk about social media, somebody asks me about privacy... as in, what if my boss sees it... or what if my posts get negative feedback.
GET OVER IT.
The number one rule of Facebook is be authentic - if you have a boss who wouldn't approve of your drinking beers after a bike ride in the park or doesn't like you posting your beliefs about God, perhaps you should find a new job.
On the other hand, if you're living your authentic life, your boss already knows who you are at your core. Sure, you've got a few secrets, but those aren't things you'd post on Facebook anyway. And if you aren't comfortable with a boss finding out that you're sad because your dog died or that you drink at lunch while away on vacation - well, then don't get on Facebook.
One of the problems is that people think they've got to be on Facebook. No. Not true. If you're not going to make Facebook work for you by doing the necessary things - like living authentically and right out loud - then use your precious resources to do other things - especially if you mission is to network and grow your business.
An even bigger problem is that people think other's opinions matter a whole bunch. A boss shouldn't care if you want to write Biblically inspired poetry, rail against the machine or collect money to support disabled veterans. What you do in your free time is not a reflection of the company that pays you for your services and if a company thinks it is... that's called indentured servitude. Find a new employer.
There are things that just go beyond the pale though... and because we're on the subject, I have one other very basic thing to say... if you're doing something you'd be ashamed to post on Facebook - maybe you shouldn't be doing it. Just sayin'.