Privacy Is As Privacy Does

I've been a LinkedIn member for many years. This is actually my second rodeo (3rd if you count my business account)on this platform because I had permanently deleted a previous account; mainly because I didn't see the value in , nor was I gaining any true professional benefits from it. At the time, the most I was getting were propositions of a non-professional nature.

It has been several years since I (and LinkedIn also) made a comeback :) The platform has really revised and upgraded and refined a lot of their policies, procedures, guidelines and resources. Kudos to them!

But a feature that's still "up in the air" for me is the whole thing about viewing a profile being in "private mode". I understand "privacy" as a stand alone issue and totally get why it is important to respect it. However, considering the nature of this network-oriented platform and reflecting on the purpose of same, which I believe primarily is for one to be visible enough so potential business partners or employers can discover you-, it begs the question, 'why would someone choose to view my profile in "private mode"?' In the past, I must admit, I had most features of my profile private. I quickly realised the counter-intuitiveness of that decision especially when I was job hunting. I still maintain certain features as private though; in particular where aspects of my profile would be visible in Google searches. Just a bit too generous for me. Also I have attempted to view someone's profile in private mode, but when I researched how to get that accomplished, I had to give up. The process was just too arduous, actually more like painstaking in my estimation.

If you are an employer, it comes off as shady, to me. If I applied to your company, I expect you to view my profile; if I did not apply to your company, hey, it's ok to look. I won't charge you. I understand my profile may have come up in your notifications or feed based on the skills and experience I have. I'm cool with that, but my emotion meter will remain dead centre...trust me! I will not be stalking your company trying to find out who's responsible for recruiting or what vacancies you may have, or anything else for that matter.

If you are not an employer, not a recruiter, not a prospective business partner, then why-are-you-viewing-my-profile-in-private-mode? Makes me think your intentions are just to be nosy. And if that's where you're at...hey..I guess I'm cool with that too. A bit unfortunate...for you...but I'm still cool with it.

If I'm that curious about seeing someone's profile, I'll just view it. Simple! There's a name for that syndrome though. the name eludes me right now but it's the same syndrome that affects people that view your WhatsApp stories in "private mode" (even if they usually have read receipts on) and make concerted efforts to avoid your Facebook and Instagram stories like the Plague because those platforms tell you every single person that has viewed your story - and the time they did too.

Yes, yes. I know you have rights and you are entitled to do whatsoever you please; but that's the exact reason I wrote this piece. I have all right to do so! I'll also ensure this post is NOT private so anyone who wishes won't have to jump through any privacy hoops to turn on this and that and the other mode in order to gain access to such an excellent piece of writing.