Random Thought Series: Authenticity over Obligation

As a professional, I've seen how technology has transformed the workplace, but nothing quite compares to the influence of social media on our professional lives. Platforms like WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and others have woven into how we engage with colleagues, clients, and the broader professional community.

While social media has opened doors for connectivity and collaboration, it has also created a kind of unspoken peer pressure, where engagement sometimes feels superficial and obligatory.

I've reflected on the subtle but persistent pressure to acknowledge everything on these platforms in recent years. Whether it's a colleague sharing an achievement, a boss posting a quasi-professional update, or even a routine company announcement, there's an expectation to react—publicly and visibly.

Failing to engage, whether with a "Congratulations" on a WhatsApp thread or a "thumbs up" on a LinkedIn post, is often interpreted as a lack of interest or appreciation. But here's the thing: just because someone doesn't acknowledge something on social media doesn't mean they don't appreciate it. And conversely, believing something doesn't always indicate genuine interest.        

The pressure to participate can feel relentless. For instance, when someone in a work chat says, "Congratulations" to a team member for an accomplishment, it seems like a signal to everyone else: "Now it's your turn." You see the flood of similar responses pouring in and this unspoken pressure to follow the crowd. But as the years have passed, I've realized how mechanical these interactions can become. In many cases, I've already privately congratulated the person, but still, I feel the need to publicly echo the sentiment. This performative layer of acknowledgement can diminish the value of genuine engagement.

On LinkedIn, it can be even more pronounced. When a manager or senior leader posts something—an industry update, personal achievement, or even a motivational quote—there's a rush to react. Likes, emojis, and comments flood the post within minutes.

But it raises the question: are we reacting because we genuinely feel compelled to or because it's an unspoken expectation? More often than not, it feels like the latter. And while I appreciate my manager's update, I've realized that my silence or absence from the comment section doesn't diminish my respect or engagement. The expectation to react, even to content that may not resonate deeply, creates an unnecessary layer of pressure.

What I've learned over the years is that engagement on social media has become a new form of visibility. We're expected to acknowledge our peers and leaders to maintain a sense of presence within the digital space. But this visibility is often superficial. I've seen how people quickly scroll through their feeds, clicking "like" or adding a quick comment without much thought, all to meet this new social contract that says, "If you don't react, you're not paying attention." However, paying attention can sometimes require a public declaration. Sometimes, the most genuine engagement happens offline, in private conversations or actions that don't need the validation of an online reaction.

The reality is that these pressures can lead to a cycle where the value of acknowledgement becomes diluted. The flood of "likes," "thumbs up," and "Congrats!" responses starts to feel hollow. It's not that people don't appreciate what's being shared—it's just that acknowledging has become more about meeting an expectation than expressing true sentiment.        

As professionals, we must challenge this notion that not reacting online is the equivalent of indifference. The act of acknowledgement should be meaningful, not automatic. It's okay to choose when and how to engage. Just because I don't comment on every achievement shared in a WhatsApp group or "like" every update on LinkedIn doesn't mean I'm not paying attention or don't care. In fact, some of the most thoughtful feedback I've given has happened one-on-one, away from the digital spotlight. That doesn't make it any less valuable—in many ways, it's more so because it's personal and intentional.

We must create space for a more balanced approach to social media engagement in the professional world. Not every post needs a response, and not every accomplishment requires public acknowledgement. Genuine appreciation and engagement go beyond likes and emojis. They're about taking the time to reflect, offer thoughtful feedback, or celebrate someone's success meaningfully. And sometimes, that's best done offline.

As professionals, it's time to redefine what it means to engage. Let's prioritize authenticity over obligation. Let's understand that silence on social media isn't a lack of interest, and let's give ourselves and others the freedom to engage when it's genuine, not just when it's expected. Only then can we move beyond superficial reactions and foster a culture of meaningful connection.