LinkedIn Feed Blocker
A browser extension that removes the LinkedIn feed has prompted broader debate over how to cope with the platform’s increasingly noisy, engagement-driven content. Commenters trade technical tactics — from uBlock Origin filters and custom CSS to unfollowing all connections so the feed effectively breaks — and compare similar tools for Facebook, YouTube, and other sites. Many see LinkedIn as a necessary “serendipity lottery ticket” for jobs and networking but argue its feed has devolved into AI-generated slop, recruiter spam, and low‑value posts that encourage doomscrolling rather than genuine professional value.
Overall Reaction to the LinkedIn Feed Blocker
- Many welcome the extension as a way to make LinkedIn usable again by eliminating a highly distracting, low‑value feed.
- Some compare it to “distraction‑free” tools for other social networks.
- Others think blocking the entire feed may be too extreme, especially for job seekers who occasionally discover useful opportunities there.
Alternatives and Technical Approaches
- Several users suggest simple uBlock Origin filters, custom CSS (Stylus), or user scripts (Greasemonkey/ViolentMonkey) to hide the feed or specific components.
- However, LinkedIn frequently changes its DOM structure, making selector-based approaches brittle and requiring ongoing maintenance.
- Some prefer general tools like LeechBlock or Scrolless (time/scroll limits) that avoid DOM manipulation.
- A Safari user mentions using custom stylesheets; others share specific filters/rules that currently work.
Non-Extension Methods to “Kill” the Feed
- Popular tactic: unfollow all connections and set feed to “Most recent posts,” which can result in an effectively empty feed (“Something went wrong” message).
- Reported behavior differs across desktop, mobile web, and native apps.
- Another workaround: switch the interface language to one you don’t understand, reducing temptation to read the feed.
Quality of LinkedIn Content and UX
- Many describe the feed as “AI slop,” engagement farming, “vibe” content, junk economics/science, and puzzle games—far from professional.
- Some note convergence with other platforms’ “For You” feeds (e.g., Twitter/X).
- Multiple people wish for filters to:
- Show only posts by direct connections.
- Hide “liked,” “commented on,” “suggested,” and sponsored content.
- A few say feed filters work “too well,” making the feed almost empty, which they view positively.
Benefits and Reasons to Stay on LinkedIn
- Despite frustration, people stay because:
- It’s expected for job applications; some forms even require a LinkedIn URL.
- Recruiters and hiring managers use it as a discovery and verification channel.
- It acts as a “serendipity lottery ticket” for unexpected opportunities.
- It’s a convenient, always-current resume and a way to track contacts and competitors.
Concerns About LinkedIn’s Behavior and “Enshittification”
- Strong criticism of:
- Push toward engagement/ads over professional utility.
- Intrusive prompts to install the mobile app.
- General slowness and lack of clear product identity.
- One commenter claims LinkedIn detects DOM manipulation and may shadowban users who use such tools, citing reduced recruiter messages; others strongly dispute this, call it unsupported, or label it BS.
- Links are shared about LinkedIn extension fingerprinting, but whether feed‑hiding leads to shadowbans remains unclear within the thread.