Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on Microsoft-owned LinkedIn, describing the platform as “so cringe it will make your toenails curl.” This criticism came as Musk hinted at his ambitions to integrate job search functionalities into his social media platform, X.
With over 200 countries represented and around 1 billion members, LinkedIn has long been the leading professional networking platform. Musk, meanwhile, sees a chance to upend this market given that the number of monthly active users (MAUs) on his X platform has risen to 600 million. The controversy began when X user Alex Cohen expressed his disdain for LinkedIn, posting, “I hate LinkedIn with a passion.” Musk responded, echoing Cohen’s sentiment, which ignited a flurry of reactions from X followers. One user commented, “The biggest difference between X and LinkedIn is that people tend to be their real selves on X. On LinkedIn, too many people are posting as if HR is breathing down their necks.”
Musk’s vision for X includes expanding its capabilities to encompass job searches, making it a more versatile and user-centric platform. Last year, his AI company began posting job listings on its @XHiring page in the US, signaling the first step towards this goal.
Musk has been vocal about his belief that current social networks are falling short, and he is determined to create “at least one” that meets his standards. His ultimate aim is to develop “an everything app,” which could revolutionize the way people connect, share, and find opportunities online.
Musk’s larger approach to disrupt established platforms and develop fresh, user-centered solutions is further highlighted by this most recent criticism of LinkedIn. It will be interesting to watch how X competes with LinkedIn in the professional networking space as it develops and whether Musk’s goal of creating a comprehensive app will be realized.
