Are Your LinkedIn Likes and Comments Public? Yes – and You Can’t Change It

Did you know that every post you like or comment on LinkedIn is visible to your network? Unlike other social media platforms, LinkedIn does not offer privacy settings to hide your engagement. This means that your professional network—including colleagues, employers, and potential recruiters—can see the content you interact with.

One Key LinkedIn Feature Many Overlook

For instance, imagine Jane Doe, a banking professional, commenting in support of a post advocating for the legalisation of marijuana in a country where it remains illegal. Her comment will be visible to everyone in her network. While people may not call her out on it, they will form opinions based on her engagement. In some sensitive cases, this could even lead to legal action by an employer or government authorities.

While freedom of speech is protected in countries like Canada, this is not the case everywhere. In some countries, expressing opinions online can have serious consequences. For instance, during the hijab protests in Iran, many people who voiced their support online—alongside those who participated in street protests—faced repercussions from government authorities. This highlights the importance of understanding the local laws and potential risks associated with online engagement, especially when discussing political or controversial topics.

Why Does This Matter?

Your LinkedIn engagement matters because your colleagues, employer, potential recruiters, and professional connections can see the content you interact with. While your LinkedIn profile may present a polished and professional image, your engagement—likes, comments, and shares—can send a different message. This can influence how others perceive you and may impact future career opportunities.

In other cases, if you are an immigrant, on a work visa, applying for permanent residency, or working towards citizenship or just applying for a tourist visa, it is important to know that government agencies in countries like Canada (IRCC) actively monitor social media activity. Your online interactions could be taken into consideration as part of background checks or application reviews.

And that’s why, if you are a working professional, business owner or managing a business page, we highly recommend avoiding discussions related to politics and religion or expressing any opinions on these sensitive topics. These areas can quickly escalate into controversies and might negatively impact your reputation or brand image, particularly when engaging with a broader audience.

What Can You Do?

1. Think Before You Engage – Before liking or commenting on a post, consider how your interaction might be interpreted. Are you simply congratulating someone, or are you sharing a viewpoint on a potentially sensitive topic?
   
   
2. Create Thoughtful Content – Instead of just commenting, consider writing an educational post or blog with references to support your perspective.
   
   
3. Maintain a Professional Tone – Keep your language professional and appropriate for your industry.

If you found this blog informative and would like to learn more about LinkedIn, JBC offers in-person workshops. If your small business is interested in a session for your employees on LinkedIn do’s and don’ts, get in touch with us. We will be happy to create a customised workshop tailored to your team’s needs.