Opinion: Many of us have grown wary of AI-generated content and polished corporate sameness, argues Carlii Lyon. It’s time to welcome the return of human individuality online
In a recent blog post, LinkedIn announced a crackdown on AI slop, after complaints that the platform was becoming more of a social media hub for bots than humans. Advanced, purpose-built algorithms are being used to suppress generic AI posts with the platform claiming a 94 per cent rate in detection accuracy.
Having recently received an influx of connection requests from what are obviously fake profiles, it is good to know I can go back to networking with real people.
This marks the beginning of something far bigger than a LinkedIn platform update. Generic ideas are becoming cheap; human individuality is becoming everything. Showing up online won’t just be about being seen and attracting attention, it will be about building trust. As vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, Charlie Munger, put it, “Trust is the most powerful economic force on earth.”
To thrive in the trust economy as an individual – whether you are a business owner, executive, solopreneur, creative or artist – people will want to know who you are, what you do, how you do it and why it matters. They will want to hear it in your voice and see your face often enough for it to become familiar.
Across neuroscience, psychology and behavioural economics, research shows that familiarity doesn’t just make us comfortable, it leads to trust.
Here are the ways you need to show up online to engender such trust.
Update your profile pic (honestly)
How you are in person should broadly align with how you are online. Any form of disconnect is what erodes trust. An outdated profile image may seem minor, but inconsistencies between online and real-world identity can subtly erode trust.
If you don’t believe me, take the time to investigate the work of Dr David White from UNSW’s Face Lab whose research confirms your profile image has a substantial impact on who wants to connect, work, invest, befriend, partner and even date you!
Boost your reputation
Who you say you are plays a vital part in shaping your reputation. This can be done overtly through testimonials, or more indirectly by sharing logos of companies you’ve worked with and images with people you want to be associated with.
Don’t cater to stereotypes
The fastest way to become a stereotype is to cater to them. The people who stand out now are often those who resist flattening themselves into corporate stereotypes. It’s the nuances, the unexpected combination of traits, interests and stories that set you apart.
Replace the CV-style “About” section or bio littered with corporate jargon with a story of your career highlights alongside mention of a hobby or interest you have. Take inspiration from Alison Rossiter, Country President of Novartis Australia, who has “budding ballerina” in her LinkedIn headline.
Have the courage to put your human content out there
For those who didn’t grow up posting every moment of their lives online, it will never feel completely natural to show up on social media. The temptation is to think, “that’s just not me”. But the real world is now made up of both physical and digital interactions. Increasingly, professional visibility exists across both worlds. You don’t have to become a LinkedIn influencer, but it is important to show up consistently enough that nobody mistakes you for a bot.
Algorithms can only do so much. The real defence against a world flooded with artificial content is radical, consistent, unmistakably human presence. We all must play our part by showing up as ourselves, connecting with others, having a positive influence and most importantly, building trust in the way only humans can.
Carlii Lyon is an executive coach and author of Courage to Be.
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