i predict a huge dip in engagement and usage on linkedin over the next 4–6 months BECAUSE the cringe content is going away
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:
- Retain its social network identity: Incentivize authentic content and penalize AI slop.
- Embrace its marketplace identity: Focus on mapping the right buyers to the right sellers - primarily digital products and services.