IN FOCUS: Is LinkedIn ‘Broken’? The Rise of AI and Authenticity Crisis on the Platform

SINGAPORE: In an era where hiring the right talent goes beyond just resumes, it’s ironic how the very platform meant to bridge professional connections is facing a crisis. LinkedIn, once a space marked by genuine interactions and slick networking, is being called ‘broken’ by many users, who are grappling with a barrage of disengaged and robotic content.

Gone are the days when a humble intern with a curiosity-driven mindset could shine through despite a lack of technical prowess. Today's LinkedIn is fraught with hyperbolic posts packaged in AI-generated language, where sincerity has been swapped for virality. Users have found themselves in a limitless loop of recycled content and faux engagement, raising the question: has LinkedIn lost its purpose?

The Unofficial LinkedIn Playbook: How AI Took Over

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now more woven into the LinkedIn fabric than many realize. From creating posts to generating comments like “Love this” or “Very insightful,” these AI features have exacerbated user frustration. Instead of authentic discussions, many are witnessing interactions akin to canned phrases that lack true engagement.

A deep dive into Reddit forums echoes these sentiments, with users leaning into the absurdity of the platform. Posts such as "What the hell is happening to LinkedIn?" highlight an increasing discomfort with how the once-formal space is devolving into a cringe-worthy digital landscape, somewhat reminiscent of TikTok.

The Evolution or Devolution of Personal Branding?

LinkedIn was once the eminent facilitator of personal branding—a necessary tool for professionals to carve out their identity in a crowded job market. Eric Sim, a former investment banker, pioneered personal storytelling on the platform back in 2015. His candid narrative about failure attracted millions of followers, demonstrating that vulnerability could indeed become a magnetic force of its own.

Yet now, even the genuine confidence that defined early LinkedIn interactions has been replaced by a performative culture obsessed with metrics and likes. As mental health advocate Sabrina Ooi notes, since embracing a more personal synthesis of work and life during the pandemic, she suddenly found herself inundated with bot-like comments on her heartfelt posts.

Cracking the Code: Engagemant Pods and the Quest for Clout

The hunt for digital approval has become a two-edged sword. Users are forming engagement pods—closed groups where members promise to interact with each other’s posts. While this artificially inflates visibility, it does little to enhance the quality of discussions. In fact, it has birthed a homogenization of content that lacks authenticity.

Marketing consultant Adrian Tan warns that the current wave of imitation will lead to an oversaturation of low-value posts disguised as insightful professional advice. Those looking to carve out their niche might find themselves lost in an echo chamber of generic platitudes.

Can LinkedIn Recover its Authentic Voice?

Despite the overwhelming AI influence, some users remain hopeful about LinkedIn’s potential to revive its core values. Ooi emphasizes that the platform democratizes opportunities for individuals regardless of background, and many like Eric Sim believe that genuine voices can still rise above the noise.

The ongoing AI proliferation raises urgent questions about transparency and authenticity. Experts suggest LinkedIn establish guidelines for AI use, mandating users disclose when they employ such tools in their posts. Authenticity remains paramount; users like Ooi and Dr. Chan advocate for unfiltered human voices rather than AI-generated scripts.

As the discontent grows, there is a rising call for LinkedIn to reevaluate what is deemed ‘successful’ in the digital space. Engagement metrics cannot define worth. Authentic voices, even if they falter at times, are essential for reviving the principle of meaningful connections.

Could LinkedIn reclaim its role as an authentic professional network? Time will tell, but users can still send loud signals by sharing their raw truths and rejecting the expectations for artificial performance. After all, the best narratives are the ones that reflect real experiences, not just what’s trending.

The LinkedIn saga is one of continuous evolution—not just of its platform but of the users who shape it. As we march towards 2025, an era where in-house influencers may become commonplace, perhaps it’s a call for all users to remain vigilant. Authenticity is not merely a buzzword; it could well be the lifeline that saves LinkedIn from losing its identity altogether.

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