[AnnieK]

It is a cut throat world out there now and as stated above if the information is there why would a potential employer NOT use it to aide their recruitment processes....the simple solution is to ensure your privacy settings only allow your friends to view your profile. It is not an invasion of privacy if it it is openly available on the internet. Employers have always undertaken reference procedures, its only another step in this...
I am not saying I agree or disagree just stating the reasons many employers find it a useful tool.