Why I hate linkedin

Day 337 / 366

If I ask you to list reasons why Instagram of Facebook is bad for you I am sure you will be able to do it. These are platforms in which people are able to showcase a fake version of themselves. They are able to cherry-pick the best things out of their lives, digitally alter them to make them look even better and present them to you. This sets unrealistic expectations of what it means to have a good life.

But what if I mentioned Linkedin? Surely it’s not as bad right? It’s a place to network, find jobs or internships. You can find connections and get career advice. Everyone has to mention their LinkedIn profiles in their resumes. So it must be a good thing, right?

If you think about it, Linkedin has the same flaws that Instagram has, which is why I hate it. I seldom update it or open it, but these days I am forced to since I am hiring new interns.

Just like when you scroll through your Insta feed and get annoyed when you see other people having fun, getting married, going on trips and what not. Same happens to me when I look at LinkedIn. Seems like everyone is getting promoted, or getting funding for their startup, or giving a Ted Talk. And I feel like I am doing nothing with my life.

But that is not a good comparison. 99% of the days of your life would be unremarkable. They would be mundane days when you get up, do your work, pass some time and go to sleep. Only 1% would be something exceptional, where you get promoted, or you make a great sale, or you sell your startup. When you go on Linkedin, all you see are these 1%, and you compare them to you 99%. Of course you are going to be disappointed.

I know I should train my mind into not doing this comparison, but I feel like it’s easier to just avoid Linkedin altogether. I don’t think I am missing out on much.