Is social media losing its appeal? Probably not. Apps like TikTok, Facebook, and Linkedin are more popular than ever. However, some users feel that these big platforms are not keeping up with the times, leading to complaints about their usefulness and concerns about mental health-related issues. Workplace networking platforms are also under scrutiny for not adapting to the new post-COVID workplace realities. As a result, social media networking is undergoing a major transformation, with a renewed focus on user authenticity.
Krishna Dosapati, the CEO of the newly-launched networking site Clockout, observes a disconnect between big tech companies and young professionals. She notes, “There is an entire generation entering the workforce during a time when remote work is prevalent. People are feeling increasingly isolated.”
This growing need for authenticity in online networking has led to the emergence of platforms like Clockout, which emphasize real-life connections. Users can create industry-based social clubs on the platform, with over a thousand clubs and around 40,000 users participating in live, in-person events. Dosapati highlights the importance of combining traditional social gatherings with technology-driven networking, especially as research shows that up to 85 percent of all jobs are secured through personal connections.
“Our platform prioritizes connections over posts or likes, creating a fun and organic interface that fosters authentic interactions,” Dosapati explains. When users spot someone they want to connect with on Clockout, they can easily initiate a conversation, leading to genuine connections that other platforms may lack.
The success of Clockout is evident in its long waitlist of users seeking approval to join the platform. It exemplifies how social media is evolving to facilitate community-building among professionals through authentic engagement.
