The Rising Tide of Negativity on LinkedIn: How "Influencer" Narratives Are Hurting Job Seekers

The Problem with Defeatist Attitudes on LinkedIn

In recent years, LinkedIn has transformed from a professional networking hub into a platform where frustration and negativity often dominate. Some influencers and creators flood feeds with complaints about unrealistic job requirements or general pessimism about the hiring process. While these issues do have validity, the constant focus on grievances creates a toxic atmosphere that can demotivate job seekers and freelancers trying to carve out a space for themselves.

Examples of Counterproductive Narratives

One recurring trend is the assertion that job seekers are failing due to circumstances outside their control, with posts titled “Your résumé isn’t the problem” or complaints about companies expecting too much from candidates. While these issues reflect some truths about modern recruitment practices, repeated exposure to such messaging can feed frustration rather than offering actionable advice.

Another damaging sentiment involves freelancing. A particularly striking example was a post by an influencer claiming that freelancers should charge less than businesses because they lack overhead costs. This kind of rhetoric undermines the value of freelancers, many of whom bring unique skills, experience, and creativity to their work. It perpetuates the myth that freelancers are “less professional” than agencies, further alienating a growing segment of independent professionals.

The Impact on Job Seekers and Professionals

This cycle of negativity can discourage job seekers from taking proactive steps to improve their employability. When posts are framed around hopelessness rather than solutions, they may amplify feelings of inadequacy, leading individuals to believe they are powerless in a competitive market.

For freelancers, these sentiments can erode confidence in pricing their services appropriately. By promoting the idea that freelancers are inherently “worth less,” such posts reinforce harmful narratives that devalue the gig economy and freelance work.

Why These Narratives Persist

There’s no denying that frustrations about hiring and freelancing are valid, but negativity tends to spread more widely because it resonates with shared grievances. Influencers capitalise on this emotional engagement to boost their own visibility, often without offering constructive solutions or alternatives. This creates a loop where complaints gain traction, further normalising a defeatist mindset.

Breaking the Cycle: What Professionals Should Focus On

1. Seek Constructive Advice: Look for content that empowers you with strategies, tools, or insights to improve your situation rather than dwelling on frustrations.
2. Promote Positive Narratives: Share your own success stories or lessons learned to inspire and motivate others.
3. Value Your Worth: Freelancers must confidently set rates based on their expertise and deliverables, not based on arbitrary comparisons to agencies.
4. Engage Selectively: Limit interaction with posts that feel counterproductive, and seek out creators or thought leaders who foster growth and actionable advice.

A Call for Change

LinkedIn influencers have a responsibility to uplift and educate their audience rather than exploiting frustration for engagement. Encouraging meaningful discourse and practical advice can help job seekers and freelancers navigate the modern workplace with confidence and purpose.

Let’s challenge the defeatist mindset and remind each other that growth and success come from proactive steps—not from dwelling on the negatives.