Balancing Professional Growth and Mental Well-being while using LinkedIn

Social media has become a big part of our lives, influencing how we see ourselves and others. LinkedIn has grown significantly since it started in 2003, with over 810 million users worldwide. While LinkedIn offers great opportunities for networking and job hunting, it also impacts our self-esteem and mental well-being.

LinkedIn and the Struggle with Comparison: 
On LinkedIn, people often share their successes and positive experiences. However, this can lead to what psychologists call "comparing ourselves to others." As users look at their connections' profiles, they might feel like they're not doing as well, leading to stress and anxiety.

Image from wikiHow

The Social Comparison Theory: 
Psychologist Leon Festinger's Social Comparison Theory explains that humans naturally compare themselves to others. On LinkedIn, where profiles are easy to see, this often leads to comparing ourselves to people we think are doing better. Studies show that using LinkedIn a lot is linked to more feelings of sadness and anxiety among young adults.

Hustle Culture and Feeling Like a Fake: 
LinkedIn isn't just for connecting. It is also a place where the idea of always working hard, known as "hustle culture," is common. Seeing constant updates about job promotions and career changes can make people feel like they're not doing enough, leading to burnout and hurting mental health.


Keeping Your Mental Health on LinkedIn: 
Even with these challenges, quitting LinkedIn might not be the best solution. Instead, here are some simple ways to use LinkedIn without hurting your mental well-being:
  • Control your time online. Take breaks from LinkedIn or limit the time you spend there to avoid stress.
  • Be mindful and avoid scrolling too much. Notice how LinkedIn makes you feel and take breaks when you start feeling bad.
  • Choose what you see. Follow accounts that make you feel good and unfollow ones that make you feel bad.
  • Give yourself a break. Remember that what people share on LinkedIn is just the good stuff. It's okay to go at your own pace.
  • Ask for help. If LinkedIn becomes too much, talk to someone you trust for support. It's okay to ask for help.
As a conclusion, LinkedIn is a helpful tool for work, but it's important to use it in a way that keeps you feeling good. Finding a balance between using LinkedIn for your career and taking care of your mental health is key. Remember, everyone's idea of success is different, and it's okay to focus on what's best for your well-being.

This blog was written based on this post.

Thanks for reading!

Oğuz Arslan

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