i predict a huge dip in engagement and usage on linkedin over the next 4–6 months BECAUSE the cringe content is going away

· 1 min read
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We are emotional beings. We like to consume content that’s polarizing.

  • When content speaks to our beliefs and values, we feel validated.
  • When it goes against them, we feel enraged.

And secretly, that’s what we love about social media platforms - they keep us entertained and engaged.

In recent times, I have been seeing a lot of AI slop in both content and comments. The content is almost perfect - no human biases, pompous and perfect grammar. But it’s completely devoid of human emotion.

As the platform becomes less emotional, the engagement will take a nosedive - turning LinkedIn from a professional social network into a marketplace.

At that point, LinkedIn will be forced to choose one of two paths:

  1. Retain its social network identity: Incentivize authentic content and penalize AI slop.
  2. Embrace its marketplace identity: Focus on mapping the right buyers to the right sellers - primarily digital products and services.