LinkedIn is cringe, but it is still a big opportunity.

Have you ever scrolled through LinkedIn and cringed at some of the content?

Why do some posts make you want to hide under your desk? Let's dive into LinkedIn's quirkiest corner.

Every social media platform has its quirks, but LinkedIn seems to have cornered the market on cringe.

From over-the-top motivational posts to bizarre personal stories, LinkedIn can sometimes feel like a spectacle.

When you compare LinkedIn to other social channels like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, each platform has its unique culture. Twitter thrives on arguments, Instagram is filled with curated perfection, and TikTok is all about trends. LinkedIn, however, has become infamous for its cringeworthy content.

A prime example is the post I saw of a woman on the toilet, laptop in hand, declaring that being a business owner never stops. Another gem was a wedding photo post with "20 B2B marketing lessons from getting married." These types of posts often gain traction because they provoke reactions, not because they offer value.

The theory behind such cringe content is simple: if it blows up, success will follow. But the reality is far different. While a viral post might provide a temporary dopamine rush, it rarely translates into meaningful business outcomes. Most influencers who start from scratch on social media struggle to make significant income. Only a tiny fraction earn more than $100,000 annually.

For those chasing fame through cringe content, it's a risky game. The attention might be temporary, and the damage to one's reputation can be lasting. Serious decision-makers are unlikely to do business with someone who consistently posts embarrassing or over-the-top content.

One memorable instance involved a CEO posting a tearful selfie after letting employees go. This stunt gained massive engagement but likely did little to enhance his professional reputation. The post attracted attention, but at what cost? Genuine business leaders look for substance and professionalism, not spectacle.

The problem is compounded by LinkedIn's love for platitudes and self-evident advice. Motivational quotes and obvious tips often get more engagement than thoughtful, in-depth content. This creates a cycle where influencers focus on shallow content to grow their following, only to struggle when they try to pivot to more meaningful topics.

Take, for example, Hollywood actors who start in comedy and try to transition to serious roles. The audience they built for one type of content often doesn't follow them to the new genre. The same happens on LinkedIn. Building a following based on shallow or cringy content makes it challenging to shift to substantial, valuable discussions later.

Yes, LinkedIn can be cringeworthy. But it remains an excellent platform for business, networking, and professional growth.

Focus on building genuine relationships and sharing meaningful content. Fame might bring fleeting attention, but substance builds lasting success.