The increasingly important role of social networking in our lives is pretty undeniable. Sites like Twitter, MySpace and Facebook continue to change the way people in our culture relate and communicate with one another -- and this is happening largely because these sites are incredibly convenient, immediate and fun. Yet there can also be downsides to social networking, and these can land you in hot water. Follow these tips to avoid ruining your life this holiday season!

If you're going to post photos, know what not to share

Let's say you really let your hair down at the office Christmas party and share a friendly hug, or an innocent kiss, with a boss or co-worker while a friend snaps a quick pic with her phone. Well? Just take a moment to consider how this might conceivably appear to your co-workers or a significant other should they happen to come across the pic on your Facebook page. The moral of the story? Do not post any photos on Facebook of you kissing someone if there's a chance the image could mistakenly be interpreted. Also, and just as important: Do not let others post such photos on their pages, or you might find yourself embroiled in some real-life "Gossip Girl"-type drama.

Neutralize negativity

Try to be mindful of any urge to complain online about the folks in your life, the dinners they host, or the events they throw. This includes co-workers, employers, friends and relatives. In the event you feel obligated to attend a holiday dinner at Great Aunt Phyllis' house and it's something you're not exactly thrilled about (she can't see very well at her advanced age and the turkey is always undercooked), be extra careful! These days, many of our relatives, including cousins, nieces and nephews, have Facebook accounts, too. It's not necessary to hurt anyone's feelings by posting comments about how lame their party was -- or their cooking.

In Facebook veritas

During the holiday season it's common to be invited to several gatherings when you'd prefer to attend only one or two. Scheduling conflicts might also arise, and you may have to choose a single event to attend out of several. In these situations, making a choice isn't only understandable, it's necessary. Yet if you feel the need to fabricate a story to avoid someplace, some gathering or someone, at least have the sense not to do it via Facebook, where the truth can sometimes be unexpectedly exposed. And afterward, remember not to post about how fantastic the event you attended was, either -- this includes sending videos and photos from your cell. Remember, social networking sites can provide people with information they weren't looking for as easily as that which they were intentionally seeking. No one likes to discover they were blown off!

If you're hosting a holiday event, pause before hitting 'post'

Before using Facebook to invite folks to a private holiday gathering that you're going to host, take a moment to think about it. You might want to consider avoiding a post that's viewable by all. This is especially important if there are any individuals in your social media network who you either can't or don't wish to invite, or who may be unable to attend. Posting invitations so everyone can see them can unintentionally stir up jealousy or other simmering difficulties within your family or peer group, since some people will likely be learning they've been excluded from one of your special events. Although it may not matter to you if certain people haven't invited you over for holiday dinner, in a similar situation, other people may react differently. Who needs the drama?

There's a time and a place for social networking, but don't become addicted

People often spend hours and hours on Facebook, taking time away from both work and family. In fact, some recent studies indicate that workplace productivity has taken a dip since Facebook came along. Moreover, the damage it can do to your familial and intimate relationships may be irreparable. The fact that you can look up anyone you've ever known and reconnect with that person via social media can negatively affect some relationships. So this holiday season, try to limit the amount of time you spend on social networking sites. Don't neglect the truly important people who are really and physically in your life in favor of online or virtual relationships!