You might want to double-check your privacy settings on Facebook, because anything you post might be on your record for the next seven years. Yes, you read that correctly.

All Facebook reports:

“The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has given the thumbs up to Social Intelligence Corp, which keeps files of Facebook users’ posts as part of a background-checking service for screening job applicants. The FTC decided Social Intelligence complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the same set of rules that keeps your bill-payment records on file with the consumer bureaus for seven years, according to Forbes."

What does that mean for job-seekers now? What about those who will be job-seekers five years from now? You might want to reconsider that status update.

The best way to protect yourself now and in the future is simply to think twice before you post. If you don't want your employer to know about it, don't post it on Facebook. If you're not prepared to discuss it in an interview, don't post it on Facebook.

The fine line between being ourselves and showing what we want others to see has gotten even finer.