Watch what you put down in words

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - We've all been warned at one time or another to be careful about what we put in writing--whether that be in letters, emails or texts.

"People have to pay attention to what they're putting out there--it's all public information. People don't think it is--but it is....Everyone has to be so careful about it", said Sally Wentworth of Woodstock, Connecticut.

But not everyone is being careful, which is becoming more of a problem in a generation that's now filled with instant communication.

Karen Tovino of Granby told 22News, "We all say things that we wish we hadn't. And we all say things that we really mean; and I think it's just too bad that you can't take it back in writing. You can apologize, but it's there. Whereas when you say it to the person, you can apologize and it's over."

According to the Miranda Rights, anything you say can and will be used against you. We've seen this recently in the scandal surrounding former CIA Director, David Petraeus. Emails triggered an investigation that led to the discovery of an affair between him and his biographer, Paula Broadwell.

Many, like Shavena Martin of Springfield, feel this could have been avoided, if those involved were more cautious about what the sent  "In a position of high authority like that, there should also be careful caretaking in personal and in business emails. Even though we think we delete things, we get rid of things--that's not always the case", said Martin.

So before you send off that next letter, email, or text, read it through and make sure it's addressed to the right recipient. That will help you avoid any potentially stressful or damaging outcomes.