LinkedIn Fails Gen Z: Is It the Worst Social Media App?

Chances are, unless you possess an unshakeable sense of self-worth, you’ve experienced jealousy while scrolling through social media feeds at some point. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok, in particular, are notorious for stirring up feelings of inadequacy and envy among users.

With the ability to peek into the curated lives of countless others—be it their romantic escapades, global adventures, professional successes, or even mundane daily activities—it’s hardly surprising that many of us end up feeling somewhat diminished in comparison.

However, there’s another platform that often goes unnoticed in discussions about social media envy: LinkedIn. The professional networking site has become such a source of frustration for some that they’ve chosen to eliminate their accounts entirely.

The Phenomenon of ‘LinkedIn Envy’ Leads to Account Deletions

“I ended up deleting my profile because it made me feel utterly worthless every time I logged in,” shared one user on a LinkedIn-themed Reddit forum. “Maybe it’s just me comparing myself too much to others, but does anyone else feel like many people on there are just showing off and being pretentious? My job isn’t even bad, but LinkedIn seems to have turned into just another platform for ego flaunting like all the rest.”

Like its social counterparts, LinkedIn isn’t free from users embellishing the truth either.

“There was this post where someone claimed they were the Head of Security for the whole corporation. I tried to look them up in the company directory—it’s a huge company with over 100,000 employees. When I couldn’t find them, I checked the support staff list and discovered they were actually a vendor for front-line account security,” another Reddit user commented. “Never take any title at face value on LinkedIn; they’re often unverified, and many of these posters seem to switch jobs every few months, despite claiming they’re in the best position of their lives.”

Deleting your Instagram or TikTok might come without significant consequences, but the stakes are higher with LinkedIn. Many employers expect to see your LinkedIn profile during the hiring process and might even scrutinize your recent activities on the site. Quitting LinkedIn isn’t as straightforward as logging off and moving on from boastful acquaintances.

Nonetheless, it’s possible to establish personal boundaries. Start by avoiding endless, negative scrolling, as you would with other social networks. Also, take the claims of incredible job opportunities with a grain of salt—they are often not as perfect as they appear.

Focus on your own path, leverage the site for networking purposes, and remember that you’re not the only one feeling envious of others’ careers.