What's the point of having Facebook, Twitter, and other accounts?

[Terry E]

Let me expand my question: Since potential, and current, employers are actively searching out people on these social networks to see what people do when not at work, what's the point of putting up silly, goofy, funny, and embarrassing photos of one's self if you're going to be penalized for it? I am on the side of liberal freedom here so just because folks put up those type of photos of themselves, why should recruiters, HR, and senior employers really care what folks do when not at work? I know the argument: company image to potential clients, company reputation as measured against competition, "unprofessional" (remember, you're not at work) behaviour, not right for the company, judgement in question, perhaps not "mature" enough for promotion, etc.

In America, are people allowed to have fun and be silly while maintaining a job/career? Or does every employee have to be a robot, much like the citizens were in "1984" where displaying emotion was against the good of the nation. I know there is an on/off switch one needs while at work and not at work, but why should these folks suffer penalties just for posting the funner side of their lives??
Your thoughts?