A recent study from the University of Edinburgh Business School has brought to light a significant concern regarding the use of professional social networking sites (SNS) such as LinkedIn. Dr Ben Marder and his team’s research examines the relationship between LinkedIn use and imposter syndrome, a psychological condition in which people doubt their abilities and worry about coming across as frauds. The findings, published in the journal Psychology & Marketing, suggest that the very platforms designed to foster professional growth may inadvertently be contributing to mental health issues.
Imposter syndrome, a term coined in the 1970s, describes the persistent feeling of inadequacy despite evident success. It is commonly experienced in professional settings, where individuals may feel they are not as competent as others perceive them to be. This phenomenon is linked to a range of negative outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and burnout.
One of the first studies to empirically investigate the connection between LinkedIn usage and imposter syndrome is that of Marder and his team. The researchers aimed to understand whether the use of LinkedIn could trigger imposter thoughts and, if so, under what circumstances and with what consequences.
Central to the study’s findings is the concept of professional, self-focused attention. The researchers found that using LinkedIn increases users’ awareness of how they are perceived professionally. This heightened self-awareness can lead to the activation of imposter thoughts, particularly when users compare themselves to their professional peers. The study suggests that when individuals engage with content on LinkedIn, they are more likely to reflect on their professional competence, which can trigger feelings of inadequacy.
The research also identifies specific conditions under which these imposter thoughts are more likely to occur. For instance, individuals who place a high value on their work identity or those who are not particularly narcissistic are more susceptible to experiencing imposter syndrome as a result of using LinkedIn. This is because these individuals are more likely to internalise the perceived expectations of their professional network.
The implications of these findings are significant, particularly for mental health and well-being. The study reveals that imposter thoughts triggered by LinkedIn usage can lead to negative emotions, including anxiety and depression. Users who frequently engage with the platform may find themselves in a cycle of self-doubt and negative self-comparison, which can have a detrimental impact on their mental health.
Moreover, the study highlights the potential for these negative emotions to influence consumer behaviour. The researchers found that individuals experiencing imposter thoughts are more likely to engage in what is termed “direct resolution consumption.” This behaviour involves purchasing products or services that they believe will help them resolve their feelings of inadequacy. For example, a LinkedIn user might sign up for a professional development course in an attempt to feel more competent and align their self-perception with the expectations of their peers.
In addition to direct resolution consumption, the study also suggests that LinkedIn users experiencing imposter thoughts may be more susceptible to marketing messages that frame products in terms of preventing failure rather than promoting success. This shift in consumer behaviour has important implications for marketers, who may need to consider the psychological state of their target audience when crafting their messages.
The findings from this study underscore the need for greater awareness of the potential psychological risks associated with professional SNS usage. While platforms like LinkedIn offer numerous benefits, including networking opportunities and access to industry knowledge, it is important to recognise that they can also contribute to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
The researchers suggest that users and organisations alike should be mindful of the impact these platforms can have on mental health. For individuals, this might mean setting boundaries around LinkedIn usage or engaging with the platform in a more balanced way. For organisations, there may be a need to provide support for employees who are struggling with imposter syndrome or to promote a culture that values authenticity over image.
