That’s because over the years, LinkedIn gradually evolved beyond its original purpose. And like its more “social” media counterparts, it became a place to share updates, build a following, and cultivate a personal brand. The difference with LinkedIn, however, is that unlike on Instagram or TikTok, every story, opinion, or milestone is being shared with colleagues, recruiters, managers, clients, and potential employers in mind.
And so it follows that the version of yourself you’re presenting isn’t your everyday self—it’s your professional self. As Sadhbh O’Sullivan explains, “LinkedIn You is the work version of yourself: polite, organized, a clear communicator, only makes jokes when appropriate, and can stare confidently down the barrel of a camera in a formal headshot. Instagram You, to a certain extent, can be hungover. BeReal You absolutely can. LinkedIn You most definitely cannot.”
