The Intricacies of LinkedIn and Approaching Structured Learning

The Intricacies of LinkedIn and Approaching Structured Learning

Introduction:
LinkedIn, the professional social network, has garnered a reputation for being cringe-worthy. However, by delving into its DNA and understanding the factors behind its content, we can gain valuable insights. Additionally, exploring the concept of structured learning and how it can be approached after school can provide a pathway to continued growth and development.

LinkedIn's Cringe-factor:
The cringe-worthy nature of LinkedIn can be attributed to several factors. Canadian sociologist Erving Goffman's concept of individuals wearing different "masks" in their everyday lives sheds light on the presentation of self on the platform. People often portray an exaggerated and inauthentic version of themselves, leading to cringe-inducing content.

Furthermore, LinkedIn prompts cringey engagement activities such as humble bragging and the rise of faux gurus, known as LinkedIn Influencers. The platform primarily caters to recruiters and HR departments, creating a hierarchy where hiring managers hold significant power. This promotes a culture of self-promotion and insincerity.

LinkedIn's Revenue Model and Impact on Newsfeed:
LinkedIn has transformed into a lucrative business, with annual revenue surpassing other social networks like Twitter, Snap, and Pinterest. While ads now contribute to a significant portion of revenue, the platform continues to prioritize recruiters and HR departments. This emphasis on hiring managers leads to several knock-on effects on the LinkedIn newsfeed.

The LinkedIn newsfeed incentivizes humble bragging and the rise of faux gurus. The platform's focus on thought leadership publishing and celebrity endorsements buries regular users' content. Dwell time, or the time spent on a post, becomes a vital metric, leading to the popularity of long-winded inspirational stories and engagement with humblebrags and questionable questions.

Approaching Structured Learning:
Structured learning, in contrast to unstructured learning, involves intentional objectives and a guided learning path. The three phases of structured learning include discovery, sense-making, and experimentation. These phases can take varying amounts of time, and sense-making involves deep research and the creation of visual knowledge maps.

Replacing institutional oversight with the public record of the internet can encourage continued learning motivation. By sharing learning and progress in public spaces, individuals gain accountability and motivation to explore new ideas. Platforms like Glasp provide a means to annotate and organize content, further enhancing the learning experience.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace authenticity on LinkedIn: Instead of succumbing to the cringe-worthy culture, focus on showcasing genuine experiences, insights, and expertise. Connect with like-minded professionals who appreciate authenticity.

2. Utilize structured learning methods: Develop a clear learning path with defined objectives. Engage in discovery, sense-making, and experimentation to deepen your knowledge and skills. Leverage tools like visual knowledge maps and platforms that facilitate organization and accountability.

3. Share your learning publicly: Embrace the public record of the internet to motivate yourself and hold yourself accountable. Share your insights, progress, and resources with others. This not only contributes to the collective knowledge but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration.

Conclusion:
While LinkedIn may have its cringe-worthy aspects, understanding its underlying factors can help navigate the platform more effectively. Additionally, approaching structured learning after school provides a framework for continued personal and professional growth. By embracing authenticity, utilizing structured learning methods, and sharing knowledge publicly, individuals can make the most out of these platforms and their own learning journeys.