The Rise of LinkedIn Envy: How Gen Z is Struggling with Professional Comparison
The Shift from Instagram Envy to LinkedIn Anxiety
In the age of social media, it’s no secret that platforms like Instagram have long been associated with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, particularly among millennials. However, for Gen Z, the source of this discomfort has shifted to an unexpected platform: LinkedIn. Dubbed "LinkedIn envy," this phenomenon is increasingly affecting younger generations as they navigate the challenges of their careers and personal lives in a highly competitive job market. Unlike Instagram, where envy often stems from curated highlight reels of vacations, relationships, and lifestyles, LinkedIn envy is rooted in the professional realm. The constant stream of posts announcing new jobs, promotions, and "dream roles" can leave many feeling inadequate, especially when unemployment and job uncertainty are on the rise.
The Pressure of Professional Posting and the Toll on Mental Health
Logging onto LinkedIn, users are met with a feed filled with triumphant announcements of career milestones. Phrases like "excited to announce" and "thrilled to share" have become commonplace, often accompanied by polished profiles and seemingly perfect career trajectories. For many, especially those who are unemployed or feeling stuck in their careers, these posts can evoke feelings of failure and inadequacy. Journalist Lotte Brundle vividly described her experience of scrolling through LinkedIn while unemployed after completing her MA, feeling like "life could not get any worse" as she compared her situation to the success stories on her feed. This sense of digital inadequacy has led some to dub LinkedIn the "unrivaled behemoth of digital inadequacy," a platform where professional achievements are flaunted, leaving many others in its shadow.
LinkedIn as a Breeding Ground for Comparison and Self-Doubt
While Instagram is often criticized for fostering comparison and envy, LinkedIn has quietly become a space where professional insecurity thrives. A 2019 Slate tech column aptly described LinkedIn as the "ideal place to lose your mind" when it comes to comparison spirals. Unlike Instagram, which at least pretends to be a space for fun and entertainment, LinkedIn is unapologetically professional, making it easier for users to fall into the trap of comparing their career trajectories to those of others. Brundle herself admitted to using LinkedIn to check up on "exes and past nemeses," highlighting how the platform can become a tool for both professional and personal comparison. For many, this constant comparison leads to feelings of cringe and self-doubt, with some even describing LinkedIn as an "egocentric breeding zone."
The Unlikely Intersection of Professional Networking and Dating Culture
In a surprising twist, LinkedIn has also become an unlikely space for dating and romance. A survey from March 2024 revealed that a significant number of people have found dates through the platform, with some even preferring it to traditional dating apps. This blurring of professional and personal boundaries has further complicated the emotional landscape of LinkedIn. For some, the platform has become a space where they not only compare their careers but also their personal lives. The overlap between professional networking and dating culture has added another layer of complexity to the already fraught experience of using LinkedIn, leaving many users feeling overwhelmed and spiritually drained.
The Mental Health Impact and the Need for Self-Reflection
The emotional toll of LinkedIn envy has become so significant that some users have resorted to deleting the app altogether. On Reddit, one user confessed to feeling "absolutely terrible" every time they logged on, prompting others to share their own experiences of nausea, self-doubt, and frustration. Many have described LinkedIn as "the overachievers’ Facebook," a space where users feel pressured to present a perfect version of themselves, even if it means hiding their true struggles. Physician and author Susan Biali Haas has weighed in on the issue, urging users to approach their envy as a "tool for personal clarity and goodwill." Haas suggests that instead of letting envy consume them, individuals should use it as a motivator to reflect on their own goals and aspirations.
Navigating LinkedIn Envy: Strategies for a Healthier Digital Experience
While LinkedIn envy is a real and pervasive issue, it’s not entirely unavoidable. Experts like Haas recommend curating social media feeds to minimize triggering content, a proactive step toward protecting mental health. This might involve muting or unfollowing accounts that evoke feelings of inadequacy or jealousy. At the same time, Haas encourages users to reframe envy as a source of inspiration rather than self-criticism. By viewing the achievements of others as indicators of what’s possible, individuals can channel their energy into pursuing their own goals rather than getting caught up in comparison spirals. As LinkedIn continues to evolve as a space for professional networking, it’s crucial for users to approach it with self-awareness and intention, recognizing both its potential for connection and its pitfalls when it comes to mental health. By doing so, they can harness the platform’s power without letting it dictate their sense of self-worth.
