LinkedIn: The New Craigslist and the History of Psychology

LinkedIn: The New Craigslist and the History of Psychology

In today's digital age, the way we connect and find opportunities has been revolutionized by online platforms. One such platform that has gained immense popularity is LinkedIn. Often referred to as the "professional social network," LinkedIn has become a go-to platform for job seekers, recruiters, and professionals looking to expand their network. However, there are some striking similarities between LinkedIn and another online giant - Craigslist.

LinkedIn, like Craigslist, started as a platform to connect individuals with job opportunities. Both platforms aimed to disrupt traditional methods of finding jobs and created a space where individuals could showcase their skills and connect with potential employers. However, just as Craigslist faced challenges in catering to every market, LinkedIn too has its limitations.

One of the major limitations of LinkedIn is its inability to cater to blue-collar workers. While LinkedIn is a great platform for white-collar professionals, blue-collar workers have never been able to effectively use LinkedIn to showcase their work history and find new opportunities. This is where the concept of fractionalized labor marketplaces comes into play.

Fractionalized labor marketplaces focus on specific verticals and provide a platform for workers in that vertical to find short-term assignments or gigs. These platforms often have high repeat usage on the supply side, as workers keep coming back to find the next money-earning opportunity. The more verticalized the marketplace, the better it caters to the needs of the workers.

To defend against disintermediation, these vertical labor marketplaces need to create a strong value proposition for both the demand side and the supply side. By providing value-add tools or services, they can ensure that both parties have a positive experience and are more likely to continue using the platform. Uber is a great example of this, where riders are willing to ride with different drivers each time because their trust lies with the marketplace, not with a specific driver.

Furthermore, many vertical labor marketplaces have a data moat that creates defensibility for the platform. This data moat often comes in the form of reviews or feedback about the workers on the supply side. As workers receive more feedback, they are able to secure future jobs more easily, creating stickiness and loyalty to the platform.

Now, let's shift gears and explore the importance of history in defining who we are, specifically in the field of psychology. Just as LinkedIn and Craigslist have their roots and evolution, psychology too has a rich history that shapes our understanding of the human mind.

A history of psychology helps us make sense of where we are and how we got here. It allows us to trace the origins of psychological theories, concepts, and practices, and understand their significance in shaping the field.

The precursors to American psychology can be found in philosophy and physiology. Philosophers like John Locke and Thomas Reid promoted empiricism, the idea that all knowledge comes from experience. This philosophical inquiry into the nature of the mind and knowledge was complemented by physiological investigations of the sensory systems in the 19th century.

German researchers like Ernst Weber and Gustav Fechner delved into the question of the relationship between the mental experiences of the senses and external reality. Their work highlighted the idea that there is a psychological reality and a physical reality, and the two are not necessarily identical.

Wilhelm Wundt and his students further advanced the field of psychology by demonstrating that the mind could be measured and the nature of consciousness could be revealed through scientific means. This led to the establishment of experimental psychology, which quickly spread throughout North America with the establishment of numerous laboratories.

By 1900, there were already more than 40 psychology laboratories in the United States and Canada, showcasing the rapid growth and interest in the field. The American Psychological Association (APA) was also established in 1892, further organizing and promoting the field of psychology.

In conclusion, both LinkedIn and the field of psychology have undergone significant transformations over time. LinkedIn, once a platform solely for job seekers, is now considered the new Craigslist, connecting professionals from various industries. Similarly, the field of psychology has evolved from philosophical and physiological inquiries into a scientific discipline that seeks to understand the complexities of the human mind.

To thrive in the evolving landscape of online platforms and psychology, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Identify a vertical with frequent repeat usage: If you're considering entering the labor marketplace industry, focus on a specific vertical that has a high demand for short-duration assignments or gigs. This will ensure that your platform attracts workers who will keep coming back for new opportunities.

• 2. Provide value-add tools or services: To defend against disintermediation and create a strong value proposition, offer tools or services that enhance the experience for both the demand side and the supply side. By doing so, you'll increase user satisfaction and encourage continued usage of your platform.

• 3. Build a data moat: Consider incorporating a data moat into your platform, such as reviews or feedback systems. This will create stickiness for workers and increase their chances of securing future jobs. A strong data moat can also serve as a competitive advantage and make it harder for new entrants to disrupt your market.

In the end, whether in the realm of online platforms or the history of psychology, understanding the past and recognizing the limitations and opportunities it presents can help us navigate the present and shape the future. By embracing innovation, focusing on verticals, and leveraging data, we can create platforms and fields that truly meet the needs of the individuals they serve.