How to Use LinkedIn Without Losing Your Mind
I can confidently say that LinkedIn is a website that exists. I can visit it (most of the time), it’s there, and I can probably run curl on it and get some info.
I think the idea is sound; Making business partnerships around the world is great; It both shrinks and grows your world, in a way.
The general mindset of business in America means it’s not the ideal place for those who believe in the flexibility possibilities of work, that work isn’t the most important thing in our lives, and that people should be treated with respect.
So, here’s how to use LI - and how to keep your distance if you’re all about a more equitable life for everyone.
Skip The Main Feed In Multiple Ways
The main feed is a bevvy of information; You may be tempted to respond to everything, from the news stories of the day, to the latest buzzword-salad post from someone you don’t know.
You can go back to your feed in time, but for now, let’s step back, and see only what we wish to.
The searchbar at the top is extremely helpful; Even more so if you know about Boolean searches. I believe they work to varying degrees on LI, but that’s what the filters are for.
Insert criteria into that search bar and the filters — When you find what you like, bookmark the link and revisit it, skipping the noisy main feed.
You can also use this to sort posts in general (blank search bar) from your 1st connections, without seeing what they reacted to.
Hint: Oftentimes, the first post you see this way will be older; Scroll down for the newer posts. It will go away…eventually.
Browser Tools Limit The Time and Content You See
I like the Intention and LinkOff extensions for Firefox. The former allows me only one hour a day to be on LinkedIn, and LinkOff slaps an opacity filter that fades out feed information.
Spreadsheets and Tracking Tools
I use Google Sheets and Airtable to have a list of people I can easily check upon, sorted by name, title, and company name. It’s easy to open three times a week, highlight a list, mass open links, and quickly check for new posts.
“That’s a lazy, impersonal way of communication”
This makes it easier than hoping they will come across your dashboard — There are many people I’ve missed content from because of the dreaded algorithms. You can still put thought into your responses to them — and you should.
You Don’t Have To Respond to Everything
Good idea for life in general. You can let people be loud and wrong without your input. People have long been censored for talking about social justice, while bigots run free with cushy jobs.
To employers, the bigot is not the problem. The person challenging their views is.
It sucks, but if you post about equality and DEI initiatives are not your main line of work, the best thing to do is focus on the decent conversations.
The virulent comments won’t be reprimanded by their company (that they represent), but unfortunately, you will look worse by wanting equality.
Look for off-site communities where people share the same goals; A smaller, more concentrated group of people who want to be treated fairly will support you when the largest professional website leaves you out to dry.
Look For Groups
Groups are a fairly underused section on LinkedIn; Most people are more relaxed and honest in the groups. It’s challenging to find an active one, but search around in the groups subsection.
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