The
LinkedIn Effect (original, unrevised)
Social networks
such as Facebook and Twitter have “changed the nature of human interaction
forever” (Smith 2014). Whenever
a new social media platform emerges, its representation in existing media has a
profound impact on the development of its image and its subsequent
domestication into mainstream society. This interplay between new and existing
media can be manifested predominantly on two case-limiting levels. The first is
technological determinism, which views emerging technology as “arising
independent of social contexts and then affecting them” (Baym 2010). However,
it is also important to consider the cultural climate leading to the emergence
of the media technology. An alternate view is social construction of
technology, which is when the cultural climate itself gives rise to the new
media platform. Blended middle-ground views also exist. Oftentimes, the
existing cultural and social climate spurs the emergence of the new media
technology. However, the process of that technology’s integration into society
ends up also causing cultural changes, resulting in a blend of social
construction followed by technological determinism.
The social
network LinkedIn was created out of a need for professionals to gain connections
and impact demanded by the fast-paced world. Today, it is frequently expected
of young professionals to have LinkedIn profiles with connections in order to
gain recognition in the workforce. In a Forbes article, Rick Smith describes
what he calls “The LinkedIn Effect,” which refers to the general trend of
having to use social media sites like LinkedIn to succeed in the labor force.
Smith outlines the social construction aspects leading to the emergence of LinkedIn
and also highlights the deterministic aspects of how it has become mainstream
or even mandatory for success.
The explosion of
social technologies such as LinkedIn has allowed us to expand our network of
connections, which in turn “dramatically increases the flow of knowledge and
opportunity available to each of us” (Smith 2014). The
development of LinkedIn stems from the need to manage larger social and professional
circles. LinkedIn was launched in 2003, when Facebook was just a shadow available
at a few colleges and before the inception of Twitter. The internet was
recognized as a space where our ability to manage interpersonal relationships
could be expanded, and this first occurred in a professional setting. This
parallels the emergence of the Internet itself, where DARPA initially intended
it for government and scientific use, and it was subsequently expanded to more
recreational outlets. People realized that networks like LinkedIn “increase our
exposure to ideas and opportunities,” which is essential to success in the
modern workforce (Smith 2014).
Smith’s article
about the emergence and impacts of LinkedIn provides both a productive and
reflective view of the medium. The reflective aspect mainly deals with how the professional
network developed in the first place. LinkedIn has transformed from a social
network to a social networking site where users can engage intensely with their
connections. The productive aspect deals with how integrated and even essential
LinkedIn has become. One can create a sort of digital-resume with all of their
work experiences, certifications, volunteer activities, awards, hobbies,
classes and grades, and connections all in one place. It is even possible to upload
documents and samples of one’s work, along with images. Employers can check
LinkedIn pages of prospective employees in addition (or even in lieu of) paper
resumes. In this way, communication about LinkedIn has generated “new meanings
for technologies [and] new uses for technologies” (Baym 2010).
LinkedIn is a
great example of a social media technology which stemmed root from a highly encouraging
cultural climate and through the course of its domestication altered and
enhanced the way networking is done in the workforce. Social media is often
viewed as a fun pastime which can be entertaining and even informative on
occasion. However, for professionals social networking “is no longer an
optional activity – long-term career success is now dependent upon it” as a
result of “the LinkedIn effect” (Smith 2014).
References
Baym, N. K. 2010.
Making New Media Make Sense. In Personal
Connections in the Digital Age, 22-49.
Smith,
R. (2014) The LinkedIn Effect: Why Social Media Is Now Mandatory for Success. http://www.forbes.com/sites/ricksmith/2014/10/20/the-linkedin-effect-why-social-media-is-now-mandatory-for-success/#61efd3a31c1b
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