Shopping site Retrevo learned that around 32 percent of people who post on a social networking site regret they shared information so openly. Users who post criticism about workplaces, co-workers, friends, political views, and other controversial topics often don’t consider the possible severity of these posts.

The report focuses on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and other social networking sites popular among internet users.  Specifically, smartphone users are the most likely to suffer from the so-called "poster's regret," as 54 percent of those polled noted they posted something they later regretted.

Age also plays an important factor into overall poster regret, with 54% of people under the age of 25 saying something they wish they didn't post -- including news updates, photos, videos, and other information.  Just 27% of people over the age of 25 years old are likely to post information they should keep to themselves.

Although many people under the age of 25 may regret posting something, the actual real world impact of these posts remains unclear.  About 40% of those people who posted something were able to remove it without any long standing damage, along with 31% noting that their posts "didn't cause any problems."

This new report from Retrevo isn't too surprising, especially considering how easily it is for people to spy on friends, co-workers, dates, and others.  Middle schools, high schools, and universities across the country are now warning students against posting too much personal information – reminding them that colleges, employers, and others are patrolling social networking sites.

In a recent case, a worker at a North Carolina restaurant was fired after complaining on Facbook about a $5 tip that a couple left after a three-hour stay.