The words and phrases I wish I could mute on Designer LinkedIn
LinkedIn has always had a certain air of superiority, and I was initially okay with it. I preferred the platform's tendency towards buzzword bingo and business jargon over the chaos of other social media platforms. But in 2023, LinkedIn has become a source of irritation, albeit in a different way.
I'm sure you've encountered it too: the endless posts about how 'the design industry will never be the same again', lengthy discussions on AI from unqualified individuals, and the ubiquitous 'I don't usually post on LinkedIn, but this is important' opening.
The irony is that designers, who excel at clear communication and stripping away unnecessary noise, often find themselves on a platform that does the opposite. It's as if a simple observation is wrapped in layers of dramatic framing, leaving the actual point buried beneath the clutter.
It's no wonder that many designers are calling for the ability to mute specific keywords and phrases. While LinkedIn hasn't yet complied, I remain an eternal optimist, believing they will eventually. In the meantime, I've compiled a list of phrases that are driving designers mad, so you can avoid them in your posts.
An entirely false sense of urgency
'This changes everything.'
- It doesn't. Not even close. A new Figma update or rebrand is not a civilisation-altering event. Only catastrophic events like asteroids or supervolcanoes truly change everything.
'Adapt or die.'
- Design has been adapting for decades. It's the nature of the job. No need to reframe it as an ultimatum.
'This is a wake-up call.'
- Who are these calls intended for, and what are they waking up from? This phrase has become overused and loses its impact.
'What nobody is talking about.'
- Typically followed by something everyone is discussing.
'RIP [insert industry category or professional discipline].'
- A common yet false claim. The design industry has survived numerous predicted deaths since 1995, and it will continue to thrive.
Thinking you're the first to write about AI
'AI is not coming. It's already here.'
- Yes, we know. We've been using it. Who hasn't heard that computers are here too? The point is obvious.
'You won't be replaced by AI. You'll be replaced by someone who uses AI.'
- This cliche has become indistinguishable from the very thing it warns against: algorithmic, mass-produced content.
'If you're not using AI, you're already behind.'
- Behind whom? For what race? This statement needs reevaluation.
'Now anyone can be a designer.'
- No, they can't. They can create something that looks like design, but there's a difference, and designers know it.
Rhetorical landfill
'The real question is...'
- This is fine in moderation, but on Designer LinkedIn, it often leads to a dramatic pivot away from the actual question.
'Let that sink in.'
- If the paragraph makes sense without this phrase, why use it? It's often unnecessary.
'The lesson? The takeaway? So what does this mean for you?'
- One of these phrases is fine, but three in one post is excessive. It suggests a lack of substance.
'Read that again.'
- Busy people don't have time for this. If the text makes sense without it, why include it?
'Here's what I learned...'
- Is it a genuine learning experience or a confirmation of pre-existing beliefs? It's often the latter.
'Hot take:'
- Not usually a hot take. It's often lukewarm at best.
'Unpopular opinion:'
- Not typically an unpopular opinion, especially for agency CEOs shilling for Fortune 500 companies.
'Game-changer.'
- The term has lost meaning due to overuse. It's become a buzzword that loses its impact.
'Quietly.'
- The word has become meaningless, and it should be retired. (Quietly, of course.)
'I'm no longer gatekeeping...'
- A boastful humble brag. If you were never gatekeeping, this is a false claim.
The single-word paragraph.
- These paragraphs are relentless and exhausting. They disrupt the flow of the text.
In conclusion, while these phrases may be common on Designer LinkedIn, they often lead to frustration and a sense of being overwhelmed. It's essential to use them sparingly and ensure that your content remains engaging and meaningful.
