LinkedIn 2023: When Did This Become Facebook 2.0?

There was a time, not too long ago, when LinkedIn stood tall as the pinnacle of professional networking. It was the place you'd go to rub virtual shoulders with industry bigwigs, hunt for your next job, or show off your latest career achievement. Fast forward to now, and somehow, it's metamorphosed into an oddly placed family photo album. Let's address the oversized elephant in the room: personal oversharing on LinkedIn.

Dear Oversharer, Who Asked?

Indeed, who asked? Was it your colleague hoping to discuss the latest industry trends? Or perhaps a potential client looking to understand your company's value proposition? I can assure you, neither of them signed up to know about your fourth child's first step or your spouse's penchant for pink balloons.

I get it. Life happens. You fell in love, again. You had an emotional epiphany on a mountaintop. But here's the million-dollar question: Is it relevant to your professional journey? Unless you're a balloon seller or a mountaineering guide, probably not.

LinkedIn or Pinterest-gram-book?

Your beaming face on a sunny beach, cocktail in hand, might fetch you likes on Instagram. That wholesome family BBQ picture? Perfect for Facebook. Your artsy breakfast shot? Pinterest would love it. But LinkedIn? Please. I beg. Keep the professional in the professional network.

It's not about being heartless. It's about relevance. When I'm on LinkedIn, it's not to get a sneak peek into your personal life. It's business. Straight, no chaser.

What's In It for Me?

Yes, let’s be a tad selfish for a moment. Every interaction on LinkedIn should ideally add value. So, if I'm spending my precious minutes scrolling through your post, what's in it for me? Insights? Business opportunities? Industry trends? Or am I wasting my time looking at your cat's birthday bash? Spoiler alert: I'm allergic to cats and irrelevant content.

A Plea to the LinkedIn-verse

To the chronic oversharers, consider this: Every platform has its essence. Just as you wouldn't wear beachwear to a board meeting, don't bring your personal photo diary to LinkedIn. Let’s not muddle its core objective.

To the readers tired of sifting through personal dramas and holiday snaps, remember the "Unfollow" button is just a click away. If someone still follows you after your constant personal updates, be sure they're not here for business or career. They're merely onlookers, enjoying the spectacle you provide.

Here it is, let's make a collective effort to keep LinkedIn, well, LinkedIn. After all, there’s a time and place for everything. And maybe, just maybe, the story of your spouse's balloon obsession isn't suited for a platform of professionals. If not for everyone else, do it for the sanctity of the platform.

Coming soon on LinkedIn: My first wife’s cousin’s friend's wedding photos. Oh wait, they're already here!

If your next post is something like this, perhaps it's time to rethink your platform choice.