(Kim Komando) From Facebook's never-ending privacy changes to a whole new crop of troubling social media sites and apps, there was no shortage of controversy in 2013.

Here are some hard lessons social media taught us this year - and what you can do to protect yourself in 2014 and beyond.

1. Don't count on Facebook for privacy
Social media is great when it helps keep you connected to friends and family. But it's not so great when it invades your privacy or makes you the target of advertisers.

This year, Facebook made it clear that when you post something on the site, you are giving Facebook permission to use your name and image in ads. There's no opt-out option, either. Click here to stop Facebook from using you in ads anyway.

Facebook also changed its privacy settings for teens. It now allows minors to post public status updates, pictures and videos. Previously, only friends and friends-of-friends could see content posted by minors.

And let's not forget about Facebook's powerful new Graph Search feature. It lets friends pull up old posts you might wish you hadn't shared. I show you how to use this feature and still protect your privacy in this tip.

2. Google can use your face and name in ads
Facebook wasn't the only one making money with your information this year. Earlier this year, Google announced it would be including users' faces, names and comments in ads.

So, if you've ever left a comment or review on Google+, or other Google services like YouTube or Google Play, your face and name could end up in an ad. Click here to stop Google from using you in ads.

3. Twitter is tracking you
Twitter jumped on the ad-tracking bandwagon this year, too. It can follow users from site to site in order to sell their information to advertisers.

The worst part is that the service can track you even when you're not using Twitter. Find out how to stop Twitter from tracking your surfing in this tip.

4. Teens are using troubling new social media
Kids are always looking for the next big thing in social media. But with new social networks cropping up all the time, it can be hard for adults to keep up with what's popular. Even worse, these new social sites aren't always safe.

Messaging apps like Snapchat and Kik, for example, became wildly popular with teens this year. Unfortunately for parents, these apps have been associated with sexting and cyberbullying. Click here for 10 social networks you didn't know kids are using - and how to keep them safe.

5. What you post matters
A Florida high school teacher lost her job earlier this year after racy photos of her were discovered online. It's just one example of how social media can make or break your reputation - and even cost you your job.

A new Jobvite survey found that recruiters are placing increasing emphasis on candidates' social media profiles. A whopping 93 percent of recruiters acknowledged reviewing social profiles as part of the screening process!

And a Kaplan Test Prep survey found that colleges are increasingly using Facebook and Twitter to recruit - and sometimes screen out - new students.

It only takes one careless post to do serious damage to your reputation. Locking down your Facebook profile and learning how to manage your online reputation can help. Even better, don't post anything that can come back to haunt you!