Badges? Badges! Do we need more badges?
You might have noticed recently that LinkedIn has taken a significant step forward with its new verification program – look for those subtle small grey checkmarks next to users name that look suspiciously close to suburban alarm service yard signs.
Launched in 2023, this initiative aims to enhance trust and authenticity within the world’s largest professional network. In an environment where LinkedIn had to stop 46.3 million fake accounts at registration in just six months last year, it’s the social media platform's version of shouting to bots and bad actors to “get off our digital lawn!”
But what exactly does this mean for you as a LinkedIn user?
Are you of the Pokémon attitude that you “gotta catch ‘em all” when it comes to badges or are you more a Treasure of the Sierra Madre prospector of “Badges? We ain’t got no badges. We don’t need badges.”
Pikachu vs. Bogart … that’s a tough call to make!
So, let’s look at the details of this LinkedIn verification program, including the benefits of getting verified on LinkedIn and the pros and cons of getting the badge to see if it is the right move for you.
LinkedIn's verification program is a comprehensive system designed to authenticate three crucial aspects of a user's profile:
This multi-faceted approach aims to create a more reliable and trustworthy platform for professional networking and opportunities.
“At LinkedIn, we know that authenticity is key to creating meaningful interactions. A verification badge on your profile shows that you were able to confirm specific information about your account,” says LinkedIn. “Verified information helps provide authenticity signals to others that you are who you say you are. Verifications can also help you make more informed decisions about connecting with other professionals, as you can see their verified information on their profiles.”
Currently, LinkedIn supports several forms of verification. Each form of verification has its own eligibility and availability criteria.
Let's break down each aspect of the verification process, as per LinkedIn’s instructions:
Other details of the program include:
By implementing these verification methods, LinkedIn aims to create a robust system to ensure the authenticity of user profiles.
The decision to implement a verification program stems from LinkedIn's commitment to fostering a more trustworthy and reliable professional network.
The proliferation of fake profiles and online scams has become a significant concern, especially as bad actors take advantage of AI tools.
How bad can it be? LinkedIn’s Transparency report showed that between July and December 2023 the platform:
That’s almost a quarter of a million fake accounts interacting with LinkedIn members before being booted during the timespan
LinkedIn's verification program addresses these issues head-on, providing several key benefits:
This move towards verification aligns with LinkedIn's mission to connect the world's professionals and make them more productive and successful.
Taking the time to complete LinkedIn's verification process can yield several advantages for your professional profile.
“A verified badge acts as a stamp of authenticity, signaling to clients, colleagues, prospects, and employers that you are precisely who you claim to be,” says UK social media marketing pro, Ian Dooley. “With your identity confirmed, the likelihood of someone else impersonating your professional profile diminishes significantly.”
The benefits of getting verified on LinkedIn include:
By leveraging these benefits, verified users can potentially accelerate their career growth and expand their professional network more effectively.
While LinkedIn verification offers numerous benefits, it's essential to consider both the advantages and potential drawbacks before deciding to participate.
Pros
Cons
The decision to get verified on LinkedIn ultimately depends on your individual professional goals and priorities.
“Of course, it’s an individual decision, but I don’t think the process is going anywhere. LinkedIn's move into personal verification is a significant step towards creating a more secure and trustworthy platform,” concludes Dooley. “It has its challenges and concerns, but the overarching goal is to improve the quality of connections and interactions on the platform – and to minimize the threat of AI.”
Consider the following factors when making the badge decision:
While verification is not currently mandatory, it's worth considering as a proactive step to enhance your professional presence. As the program grows and evolves, early adopters may find themselves at an advantage.
Whether you choose to get verified immediately or take a wait-and-see approach, staying informed about these developments is crucial.
As we move forward in this new AI-enhanced era, embracing transparency and authenticity will become more and more important.
And while nobody is going to mistake me for Humphrey Bogart, even in a white dinner jacket, you can trust that I am certainly Taylor White – after all, I’ve got the grey checkmark to prove it!