How LinkedIn and Dating Apps Disappoint Their Users in Similar Ways.
It is complicated to find matches, both in the professional and romantic spheres.
Cait Camelia, a 24-year-old woman, has taken a surprising turn in the use of dating apps. In October, she posted on X screenshots of her profile on the Hinge app that, instead of looking for a partner, was seeking a job in creative marketing. The photos she chose were charming and casual, but the messages in her bio requested, "The way to win me over is to get me a job in marketing" and "I want someone to help me get a job in marketing." She included a stock image of a handshake between two suited men, captioned "This could be us."
The job market is complicated, with job growth falling short of expectations, even though the unemployment rate has slightly decreased. Many have been job hunting for months, applying to hundreds of positions, and some manage to secure jobs or make significant money after going viral on social media, something Camelia was pursuing. According to Camelia, who is a graphic designer and wishes to work in another area, her intention was always to attract visibility to her work. She went beyond returning to Hinge for dating after a relationship that began on the app.
Camelia was aware that her post could generate negative reactions, but she also knew it could propel her message in the algorithm. Despite silencing the comment thread when it began to gain attention, she was able to see some reactions. She noticed some men accusing her of wasting others' time, and she responded that many times it is them who do the same on the app.
Some might suggest she try LinkedIn, a platform specifically for professional networking. Although she has experience finding jobs there, Camelia feels that the platform has not evolved since she graduated in 2021, citing that it is difficult to find jobs in a highly competitive environment where applications seem to get lost among hundreds of resumes.
A recent survey revealed that 81 percent of recruiters admit to posting fake job offers to attract talent, leaving many applicants discouraged. The frustration she feels when applying is palpable, as is that of many others, who often do not receive responses after applying. Furthermore, platforms like LinkedIn have been criticized because their "Open To Work" label could harm those seeking jobs, as it might convey an image of being overly eager.
Both job seekers and dating app users face common obstacles. The experience of being ignored, known as "ghosting," is common in both contexts, which can affect the morale of those seeking connections, whether professional or romantic.
Dating apps present a questionable business model, as users generally wish to use them temporarily. Subscription fees, like those of LinkedIn Premium, are seen as dealings that prioritize quantity over quality in a job market where many are still suffering from a lack of employment.
Despite the challenges, Camelia's clever use of platforms like Hinge has led her to secure freelance work and potentially interviews with companies of her interest. Her approach demonstrates how current norms are changing, and how users are trying to adapt to the ever-evolving environment of job searching and personal connections.
