LinkedIn is no longer a dull job site. I see or hear this phrase quite often when well-meaning people respond to my lack of interest in the platform. I see the adverts from LinkedIn itself, promoting the connectivity. I have cycled through LinkedIn. I’ve experienced the high of mass connections and the low of discovering the deceit. While I applaud LinkedIn for stepping into the social media arena, I have serious concerns about what they have evolved into. The “professional” nature of the platform implies they have processes in place to verify the legitimacy of the people, especially those they promote. LinkedIn specifically caters to professionals, unlike Instagram or Facebook they have already differentiated themselves and it implies a higher standard. Their growth strategy seems largely predatory in placing influencers center stage with no regard for what happens as a result. The ability to accumulate recommendations and endorsements with no actual requirements, the PODS, the lack of internal process to back up their “Professional” title and the blatant turning of a blind eye to all by LinkedIn. My journey reflects that of many people who are cycling on and consequently off of the platform and a big reason is influencers.
I joined LinkedIn in August 2018 to connect and e-network with professionals in my industry. I crafted my profile in a professional manner and…
