Navigating the Cringe: The Pervasive Pitfalls of LinkedIn
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Chapter 1: The Cringe Culture of LinkedIn
In a surprising twist, LinkedIn has managed to cultivate a cringe-inducing environment that seems to know no limits. Just when I thought we had reached the lowest point, we plunge even deeper.
You might recall the early content issue on LinkedIn: "broetry." This peculiar style resembles poetry but often comes from self-proclaimed "bro" life coaches. Consider this example:
“I faced rejection.
I lost my job.
I had a car accident.
Yet, I persevered.
Now I lead a company with $100 million in revenue.”
This "broetry" phenomenon persists, but LinkedIn has unleashed a plethora of other cringe-worthy content. In fact, I contend that LinkedIn's feed is the most cringeworthy among major social media platforms. At least Instagram and TikTok embrace their identities.
LinkedIn? Not so much.
You may have found yourself ensnared in the endless cycle of “I’m excited to share…” posts. This situation exemplifies a significant failure in content moderation, leaving us with no resolution in sight. So, what is the underlying issue?
First and foremost, there seems to be a technical flaw.
I suspect LinkedIn has a substantial engineering dilemma. Imagine crafting an algorithm designed to highlight quality content, only to see it churn out nonsensical updates. Adjusting a few lines of code yields even more confusion. A project manager might be left exclaiming in exasperation, “No one touches the LinkedIn code until further notice!”
“W-w-wait, who altered the code?!”
What even is this?
Additionally, it appears that the person in the above image may have been driving while snapping that photo. The lack of care is evident.
Low-Quality Virality Explained
The viral phenomenon of low-value posts is perplexing. No amount of technical adjustments seems to hinder the spread of these posts.
However, I find myself unable to escape it either. I’ve unfollowed countless individuals, all for sharing cringe-inducing content that clutters my feed. It resembles a rodent infestation: every cringe post spawns numerous offshoots, multiplying rapidly.
Contrary to Expectations
It's ironic that LinkedIn has invested heavily in creator programs in recent years while the quality of content seems to be on a decline. At this point, I would be satisfied with any post that doesn't revolve around the author’s personal achievements.
There's an incessant craving for validation on the platform, perpetuated by the network's dynamics. Many users prefer to lurk rather than post, which is both wise and understandable. Yet, this behavior creates a vacuum that others exploit for easy visibility.
The variety of cringe-worthy content is astonishing. Each post evokes a unique reaction, akin to the way one might feel about someone else's children in a waiting room: a collective disdain for different reasons.
The only posts I genuinely enjoy are those that humorously critique the platform itself.
The Self-Perpetuating Problem
The incentive structure on LinkedIn fosters detrimental user behavior. The platform employs the same dopamine-driven tactics as others, where users receive excessive validation for posting bizarre or cringe-worthy updates, often leading them to repeat these actions.
This cycle could inadvertently harm their careers, as many users are oblivious to the implications of their online presence.
There’s a staggering absence of self-awareness, often encouraged by other users. I’ve started to question whether people derive pleasure from watching others embarrass themselves.
As someone who writes online, I’ve also shared plenty of cringe-worthy content. I’ve fallen into the trap of equating internet popularity with quality, and I’m sure I’ll stumble again.
But to repeatedly throw oneself into the fire without reflection? It feels akin to career sabotage.
The Question of "Why?"
I often ponder why individuals feel it’s acceptable to quote themselves online, presenting their words as if they originated from a sage they encountered. Or why they consistently make themselves look foolish:
What’s more perplexing is that LinkedIn rewards some of its worst offenders. In the credentials of these dreadful posts, you might find the designation “Top LinkedIn Voice.”
Someone in corporate must have thought, “These LinkedIn Voice Awards will enhance our high-impact content creators, ushering in a new and improved era that streamlines the user experience! It’s a win-win!”
There are also self-inflicted issues from LinkedIn’s team. While I understand that coding is not an exact science, it’s hard to excuse some of the content that appears in my feed.
The Need for Social Affirmation
People are perpetually seeking social validation on these platforms to the extent of resorting to dishonesty.
I’ve witnessed colleagues fabricate stories in their feeds, exaggerating details to appear heroic—all in pursuit of fleeting internet accolades that hold no real value.
The Key Takeaway
The clear lesson here is to exercise caution regarding your online postings—especially on LinkedIn.
Managers and decision-makers are actively observing the platform. The environment encourages poor behavior and rewards individuals for misguided reasons. Remember, your reputation is your most valuable asset in your career.
Avoid jeopardizing it by engaging in self-celebratory or narcissistic posts.
In the meantime, I hope for improvements on the platform. Although I’m uncertain of what I’m seeking on LinkedIn, I know I haven’t discovered it yet.
The first video, "LinkedIn is Cringe," explores the awkwardness prevalent on LinkedIn and its implications for users in a humorous light.
The second video, "FIFTY SHADES OF GREY... How CRINGE could it be??" delves into the absurdity of cringe-worthy content in a lighthearted manner.