LinkedIn: Is It Time to Ditch the "Fake it Till You Make It" Mentality?

Okay, let's be honest, who hasn't cringed at a few too many "humble brag" posts or over-the-top inspirational stories on LinkedIn lately? It seems like the platform that was once the place for serious career networking is turning into something... different.

LinkedIn: Is It Time to Ditch the "Fake it Till You Make It" Mentality?

Don't get me wrong, LinkedIn is still a useful tool, but it's starting to feel a bit like Facebook, with all the emotional posts, clickbait headlines, and – dare I say it? – memes.

But here's the thing: the problem isn't just about the content itself. It's about the creeping sense that authenticity is taking a backseat.

Are we really connecting with each other on LinkedIn, or are we just performing for an algorithm?

The Engagement Trap and the Pressure to Perform

Let's face it, LinkedIn's algorithm, like those of other social media platforms, loves engagement. Likes, comments, shares – that's the currency of the online world. But this relentless focus on engagement has created a bit of a monster. We're all under pressure to create posts that grab attention, even if it means sacrificing genuine connection and valuable insights.

This has led to a surge in those emotionally charged personal stories, polarising opinions, and yes, even the dreaded memes. While these can be entertaining (sometimes!), they often feel out of place on a platform that's supposed to be about professional development. It's like showing up to a business meeting in your pyjamas – it just doesn't quite fit.

The AI Elephant in the Room

And then there's the AI in the room. AI writing tools are becoming increasingly popular, and while they can be handy for brainstorming or polishing your prose, overusing them can suck the life out of your LinkedIn presence. Think about it: if your posts and comments are all generated by AI, where's the real you in all of this?

This makes it tricky to tell if someone is genuinely engaging with your content or just offering up a pre-programmed response. It's like having a conversation with a chatbot – it might be impressive on a technical level, but it lacks that human spark.

Why Authenticity Matters (Especially on LinkedIn)

This shift towards superficiality and AI-generated content has real consequences for businesses and individuals.

• Organic reach takes a hit: When the algorithm prioritises engagement-bait and AI-generated content, it's harder for genuine, valuable content to get seen.

  
  

• Trust erodes: People want to connect with real people, not bots or facades. Lack of authenticity can damage your credibility and make it harder to build trust.

  
  

• Finding quality leads becomes a challenge: With so much noise, it's harder to identify those who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer.

  
  

Real-World Examples (Because We All Love a Good Story)

• The "LinkedIn Influencers": Some are great, offering real insights and value. But others? They're masters of the humblebrag and the perfectly curated persona, leaving you wondering if there's a real person behind the profile.

  
  

• The "Crying CEO" Post: Remember that post about the CEO who cried after firing someone? It went viral, but it also sparked a debate about whether this kind of emotional display was appropriate for a professional platform.

  
  

• Microsoft's Surface Pro Campaign: Microsoft nailed it with their LinkedIn campaign, focusing on targeted ads and thought leadership that resonated with their professional audience.

  
  

• The Recruitment Agency Fail: One recruitment agency got slammed for posting over-the-top success stories that felt inauthentic and out of touch.

  
  

Keeping it Real on LinkedIn

So, how do we navigate this changing landscape and stay true to ourselves on LinkedIn?

• Create quality content (and ditch the AI fluff): Share valuable insights, industry trends, and your own unique perspective. Don't be afraid to let your personality shine through, but keep it professional.

  
  

• Engage authentically (with real humans): Respond to comments thoughtfully, ask questions, and build genuine relationships. Remember, LinkedIn is about connecting with people, not just racking up likes.

  
  

• Use LinkedIn's tools (to your advantage): LinkedIn has some great features, like "Articles" and "Live," that allow you to share in-depth content and engage with your audience in real-time.

  
  

• Stay informed (and adapt): Keep an eye on how the platform is evolving and adjust your strategy accordingly.

  
  

Redefining "Professional"

Maybe it's time to rethink what "professional" really means on LinkedIn. Yes, it's a professional platform, but that doesn't mean we have to be robots. Let's be real, relatable, and – most importantly – authentic. That's how we build genuine connections and create a thriving community.

Jefrey Gomez is the Founder of ClickInsights Asia and the Chief Executive of ClickAcademy Asia