An anonymous LinkedIn member refers to a LinkedIn user who has configured their account settings to privately view other users’ profiles without revealing their own identity. When a LinkedIn member enables anonymous viewing, their name, photo, headline, and other profile details will not be visible to other users.
There are a few reasons why LinkedIn members may choose to browse anonymously:
- Privacy – Members wishing to discreetly research people or companies without notifying connections of their activity can do so anonymously.
- Reconnaissance – Before reaching out to new connections, members may want to learn more about them anonymously first.
- Sensitive professions – Individuals like therapists, lawyers, or public figures may desire an extra level of privacy when networking online.
On LinkedIn, anonymous members appear as “Anonymous LinkedIn Member” in several locations when viewing other profiles and content:
- Who’s Viewed Your Profile – If an anonymous member views your profile, you’ll see “Anonymous LinkedIn Member” under the Who’s Viewed You section.
- Viewers of Content – Anonymous members are listed as “Anonymous” under the viewers of posts, articles, and other content.
- Profile Views – When an anonymous member views your profile, it will show as “Anonymous LinkedIn Member.”
Anonymous browsing prevents the viewer’s identity and any personal details from being revealed. However, LinkedIn still informs users that an anonymous member has viewed their profile or content.
In some instances, you may be able to identify an anonymous viewer if you have a limited number of connections in common. By process of elimination, you may be able to discern the real identity of an anonymous visitor. But directly identifying anonymous members is against LinkedIn’s policies.
How to view LinkedIn profiles anonymously
LinkedIn members can choose to browse anonymously using LinkedIn’s privacy settings. Here are the steps to view other profiles anonymously:
- Go to the Accounts tab in Settings and select Settings & Privacy.
- Under How others see your profile, toggle on View profile as member.
- This enables anonymous viewing. Your name and details will not appear to others now.
- Search for and view any profiles as normal. The other members will just see you as an anonymous visitor.
- To disable, return to Settings & Privacy and toggle off View profile as member.
When anonymous viewing is enabled, your name, photo, headline, and other personal profile elements will not be displayed to other users. You can browse and view profiles freely without notifying connections of your activity.
Limitations of anonymous browsing
While anonymous viewing allows discreetly researching other members, there are some restrictions:
- You cannot message or interact with other members while anonymous.
- Anonymity only applies to your profile details, not your activity. Others will still see “Anonymous” has viewed their profile or content.
- Premium account perks like InMail messaging and profile contact information are not available.
- Advanced searches may be limited to customize visibility to anonymous members.
In summary, anonymous members can passively view profiles but cannot actively engage or contact other users while anonymous. Advanced account interactions are disabled until you disable anonymous viewing.
Spotting anonymous visitors
When another member views your profile anonymously, there are a few ways you may detect them:
- Who’s Viewed You – This section shows anonymous visitors as “Anonymous LinkedIn Member.”
- Viewers of content – Any posts or content you share will list “Anonymous” in the viewers list if anonymously accessed.
- Profile view notifications – Emails and notifications indicating profile views by “Anonymous LinkedIn Member.”
While you cannot see anonymous members’ identities directly, you can sometimes gauge who they might be. If you have limited connections in common, you may be able to discern the anonymous viewer through process of elimination.
However, LinkedIn prohibits trying to identify anonymous members without consent. Respect other members’ privacy settings when encountered.
Pros and cons of anonymous browsing
Here are some potential advantages and disadvantages to keep in mind when viewing LinkedIn anonymously:
Pros
- View profiles discreetly without notifying connections
- Research people or companies more candidly
- Maintain privacy as a public figure, recruiter, or someone who networks privately
Cons
- Unable to message or interact with connections
- Others can still see your anonymous activity
- Limited profile customization and advanced account features
- Possible misinterpretation of intentions when anonymously viewing
Weigh these advantages and drawbacks when deciding if and when to browse LinkedIn anonymously based on your specific needs and situation.
Why LinkedIn members go anonymous
There are valid reasons why some LinkedIn users desire anonymity and privacy when viewing others on the platform:
- Researching contacts – People may want to learn about new connections before interacting.
- Job seeking – Anonymity when researching companies and employees during a job search.
- Public image – Celebrities, executives, and public figures wanting privacy.
- Client confidentiality – Doctors, lawyers, consultants protecting sensitive relationships.
In most cases, anonymous LinkedIn members have good intentions and simply wish to keep their networking activity private. However, anonymity could also be misused, so report any suspected abuse to LinkedIn.
Is anonymous browsing on LinkedIn ethical?
Using LinkedIn’s anonymous viewing feature is generally ethical if done appropriately. Reasons like researching contacts, maintaining privacy, and learning about companies demonstrate ethical intent. However, there are some caveats:
- Do not misrepresent yourself or pretend to be someone else when anonymous.
- Respect other members’ preferences and settings around profile visibility.
- Do not use anonymity to obtain contacts’ private information deceitfully.
- Refrain from identifying or trying to uncover anonymous viewers against their wishes.
In summary, it is fine to leverage LinkedIn’s privacy tools if your purposes align with their acceptable use policy. But avoid misusing anonymity to deceive, disrupt, or harm other members.
Best practices for anonymous members
Here are some tips to ensure you use LinkedIn’s anonymous browsing ethically and productively:
- Enable anonymity only temporarily when needed.
- Research contacts in good faith but avoid prying excessively.
- Disable anonymous viewing when ready to actively engage connections.
- Remember your activity is still visible, just not your identity.
- Respect the privacy and preferences of other members as you would want yours respected.
Following these best practices helps maintain your professional reputation and privacy while also upholding your responsibilities as a member of the LinkedIn community.
In summary
Anonymous LinkedIn members can view other profiles and content without revealing their identity. This allows discreet networking while maintaining privacy. If you encounter an anonymous visitor, respect their preferences and refrain from attempting to uncover their identity. When used ethically, anonymous browsing remains a safe and productive way to privately research contacts on LinkedIn.