LinkedIn, the professional networking platform, has become an essential tool for today’s knowledge workers in their quest for employment. However, it is also a place where people engage in peculiar behaviors, such as pretending that recruiters and hiring managers are fascinating individuals. Additionally, LinkedIn influencers have gained popularity for their content, which often resembles the output of AI language models like ChatGPT. Despite these idiosyncrasies, what sets LinkedIn apart from other social networks is its transparency regarding its surveillance features.
While other platforms try to conceal the extent of their tracking activities, LinkedIn openly invites users to participate in the gathering of behavioral data. One notable feature is the profile viewing notifications. By default, every time you view someone’s LinkedIn profile while logged in, they receive a notification informing them of your visit. This can be both beneficial and maddening for job seekers. On one hand, it provides valuable insights for potential follow-ups with employers. On the other hand, it can drive job seekers to the brink of insanity, contemplating whether to reach out and ask, “Did you like what you saw?”
Imagine if every time you scrolled through someone’s Instagram feed, they received a notification about your actions. The transparency on LinkedIn takes this to another level. While most users can only see a limited number of their recent profile viewers, paid subscribers gain access to a comprehensive list of everyone who has viewed their profile in the past year. This radical transparency may be disconcerting for some.
Fortunately, LinkedIn offers an option to turn off these profile viewing notifications, albeit somewhat hidden within the settings. To access this feature, click on your profile picture in the top-right corner of the browser window and select “Settings and Privacy.” In the left sidebar, click on “Visibility” and then “Profile viewing options.”
From here, you have three choices: “Your name and headline,” “Private profile characteristics,” and “Private mode.” The default option, “Your name and identity,” reveals your photo, job description, and a link to your profile when you visit someone’s profile. This triggers a notification loop where the person clicks the link, sending you a notification, and the cycle continues. To prevent this from happening, you can change the setting.
The second option, “Private profile characteristics,” provides other users with a summary of your profession and location when you view their profile. While this may make you appear mysterious, it lacks specificity and could potentially annoy others. The third and recommended option is “Private mode,” which allows you to browse profiles with relative secrecy.
It is important to note that choosing any option other than the default “Your name and identity” also means that you won’t be able to see who has viewed your profile. This can be advantageous for those who prefer fewer LinkedIn notifications. However, if you find it valuable to know who is looking at your profile, it is worth considering this trade-off.
In conclusion, LinkedIn’s profile viewing notifications can be both a blessing and a curse for users. While they provide valuable information for job seekers, they can also be overwhelming and intrusive. Thankfully, LinkedIn offers the option to turn off these notifications, allowing users to browse profiles in privacy. Whether you choose to embrace radical transparency or prefer a more discreet approach, LinkedIn’s settings provide the flexibility to tailor your experience on the platform.
