There are now firms that will scrape your Facebook profile, Twitter profiles and any use of social media to create an extensive profile on you.

Long before you meet your blind date for the first time, long before a company calls you in for an interview, they are reviewing your digital footprint.

Is that an invasion of privacy? The days of people not researching you are long gone.

If you try to tell someone they can not see your social media postings, they do not assume it is because you are too humble and do not want them to see all the orphans you are helping.

They assume it is because you did some terrible things in Vegas recently.

Why is this is a problem? Because you tend to be an idiot online sometimes.

You complain about past relationships. You post photos from spring break. You go on long, curse-filled political blogs.

And bit by bit, pixel by pixel, you create a profile of yourself that will sink even the most amazing first impression.

Want to ruin you first impression? Do something stupid on Facebook.

Want to reduce your image? Make horrible mistakes online.

Want my advice? Stop being an idiot online.