Social media—for some, it has become an addiction. For others, it’s a nuisance. But for nearly everyone growing up in today’s society, it’s a necessity.

Social media has become increasingly crucial in the lives of professionals, as well as Millennials entering the job market. Today, there are over two billion social media users worldwide. The online reputations we create on our social media platforms have real implications in the professional world. In fact, 70 percent of employers say candidates have lost job opportunities due to their online profiles. To be successful in today’s society, we must build a personal brand and attach it to our name. Social media is the tool we use to sell our personal brands.

If you’re not sure what I mean, start with a simple Google search of your name. If you’re pretty low key, it may help to add the city you live in.

What do you see? Did your Facebook pop up, full of embarrassing party photos? Even worse, your Instagram? Those photos and information can be gained with the push of a button, so imagine what your future employer might find if he or she did a little investigating.

If you still don’t think employers actually use social media to weed out candidates, consider the social platform LinkedIn. LinkedIn is like the grown-up, business version of Facebook. It serves as an online resume and portfolio, and if you have one, you can bank on your employer checking it out. LinkedIn boasts 400 million users, and another two members join every second.

I, for one, loathe today’s necessity for social networking. For people my age, social media is addicting enough; making it crucial to finding a career will only worsen our habits. I don’t like having to keep up online appearances at all times, but that’s too bad. It’s now the reality we live in.

Another thing that bothers me about this issue is privacy and security. For example, one of my classes was required to create an about.me page recently. About.me is basically a profile for all your profiles, a place where people can find all your media at once. At about.me/wadelandry you can find links to my Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn profile, my Twitter, Tumblr and everything I’ve ever written for the Odyssey. You can also find out what city I live in, where I go to school and where I work. And if that wasn’t enough, I’ve provided a handsome, professional-quality photo for any murderers who may be having trouble finding me.

So please, make sure you’re careful about what you post on your social networks. Your future employers, and potential serial killers, will most likely find it.