Is it weird to check old friends' career updates online?
Not at all. It's a natural human tendency to be curious about the paths people we once knew have taken. Whether it's a former classmate or an old colleague, seeing how their professional lives have evolved can be interesting and even provide perspective on your own experiences. Many people periodically look up acquaintances out of simple curiosity or a desire to reconnect.
Research from the Pew Research Center indicates that over 80% of adults use social media, often leading to incidental exposure to acquaintances' life updates, including career changes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I feel compelled to compare my career to old friends' online?▾
Comparing your career to others, especially those you knew in a different context, is a common experience. It often stems from a natural human inclination to evaluate our own progress and position relative to others, which can sometimes be amplified by readily available online information.
What's the best way to reconnect with an old friend whose career I admire?▾
If you're genuinely interested in reconnecting, a simple, direct message on a professional networking site or social media can work well. Mention something specific you remember or admire about their work, and suggest a brief virtual coffee chat if appropriate. Focus on genuine interest rather than comparison.
Is it rude to look at someone's LinkedIn profile if we haven't spoken in years?▾
Generally, no, it's not considered rude to view a public LinkedIn profile. These platforms are designed for professional visibility. Most people expect their profiles to be viewed, even by those they haven't directly interacted with in a while.
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