Social networking sites are fast emerging as the new powerhouses of the corporate world. Some firms, like Topshop are even reporting that referrals to their official sites from their own Facebook, MySpace and other social media pages are surpassing those from paid search ads. Just think of that. Can you imagine it!?

Well, while the business benefits are fast becoming about as obvious as a rather grumpy elephant, the pitfalls can be rather massive too. Just take the poor girl – OK, for poor, substitute, stupid and/or naive - who advertised that her parents' four million quid Spanish villa was open to all-comers, to experience “the party of the year”. By all accounts it was the party of the year, although unfortunately not if you were Jodie Hudson, the 16 year old in question, who found 400-odd horny teenagers from the nearby Costa del Sol descended on the place. Hmm, power of social media = great; intelligence and foresight of 16 year-old girl = not so great. Business benefits of social media sites = probably still good, although make sure the office is locked when you leave at night.