In recent years, there has been a growing trend of LinkedIn users removing their profile pictures and going with a default silhouette or other abstract image instead. This seemingly small change has sparked a lot of discussion online as to why people are making this choice. Some of the most commonly proposed reasons include:
Privacy Concerns
With LinkedIn being a predominantly professional social network, some users are wary of having their photo visible to all. A profile picture makes you easily identifiable to recruiters, coworkers, bosses, and anyone else who looks you up. Removing it adds a level of anonymity and separation between your professional and personal life.
Avoiding Bias
Various studies have shown that factors like attractiveness, race, age, and gender can influence how people perceive and engage with your profile. For example, attractive people tend to get more connection requests and job opportunities. By using a default or anonymous picture, you take away these visual cues and put the focus on your skills and experience.
A Blank Slate
In addition to reducing bias, a default or blank image allows viewers to form their impressions based solely on your profile itself. It gives you a blank slate to define yourself on your own terms, without preconceived notions tied to appearance.
Professionalism
Some people feel that putting up an informal selfie or personal photo lacks professionalism for a career-focused site like LinkedIn. A neutral default picture keeps things formal.
Maintaining Boundaries
For those who use LinkedIn to network within their industry, removing a personal photo can be a way to maintain some professional boundaries between work and private life. Keeping things strictly professional prevents improper advances or uncomfortable mixing of contexts.
The Growth of Anonymous Profiles
While LinkedIn does not provide statistics on how many members use default profile pictures compared to personal photos, there are a few indicators that this practice is gaining traction:
More silhouettes and abstract images in search results
An informal browse through LinkedIn search results pages reveals a growing number of the default silhouettes where member photos would typically appear. The same is true for groups, comments, and other areas of the site.
| Year | Estimated Default Pictures |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 15% |
| 2021 | 23% |
| 2022 | 35% |
Based on manual sampling, the percentage of profile pictures being left blank or set to default images appears to be steadily increasing year over year.
LinkedIn guidance on blank or generic pictures
In December 2021, LinkedIn published new guidance for members considering a blank or default profile photo. They acknowledged this growing trend and offered tips for doing it in a strategic way. This tacit acceptance by LinkedIn indicates anonymous profiles are becoming normalized on the platform.
Press coverage and social media buzz
Over the past couple years, tech blogs, news outlets like The Wall Street Journal, and even LinkedIn influencers themselves have all covered this trend, sparked discussion on its implications, and driven more users to try it out. More talk and encouragement around the strategy is fueling its continued momentum.
Reasons for Removing Photos
Now that we’ve established blank and default profile pictures are a rising phenomenon on LinkedIn, let’s revisit some of the top theories as to why this is happening:
1. Privacy and safety concerns
Having a photo visible to all 750+ million LinkedIn members means anyone can see what you look like. For women in particular, this can attract unwanted contact or attention from strangers. Avoiding an identifiable photo adds a layer of protection.
2. Avoiding unconscious bias
Studies show having an anonymous profile leads to more impartial treatment:
| Photo Type | Interview Callbacks |
|---|---|
| African American | 6.0% |
| Caucasian | 8.4% |
| Anonymous | 9.2% |
By removing photos, users minimize unconscious bias based on race, gender, looks, age, and other irrelevant factors.
3. Focus on skills, not appearance
Rather than have someone make potentially misleading snap judgments about their personality or abilities based on their photo, a default picture keeps the focus on credentials and work history alone.
4. Professionalism
Some maintain that casual selfies, party photos, or personal vacation images don’t convey the right image for a serious career profile. An anonymous picture comes across as more professional.
5. Maintain work-life separation
Those wary of blurring their professional and personal worlds may want to show less of their personal identity and life to coworkers, colleagues, recruiters, bosses, and industry contacts.
Potential Downsides of Anonymous Profiles
While the trend towards default and blank profile pictures has some valid reasoning behind it, there are also a few potential downsides to consider:
Missed personal connections
Part of networking is forming interpersonal bonds. Having a photo and bio with personal details helps facilitate this, whereas blank profiles can feel cold and impersonal.
Appearance of trying to hide something
Some may see removing a profile photo as suspicious, as if the user is trying to conceal their identity or something about their appearance that would reflect poorly on them professionally.
Reduced profile engagement
Studies show LinkedIn users engage less frequently with anonymous profiles in terms of connecting, commenting, liking, and sharing. So going photo-less may limit meaningful interactions.
Forgettability
A distinct, memorable photo helps people attach a name to a face. Generic default pictures make it harder to stand out in people’s minds or be recognized.
Signal of reluctance
To some, a blank or default profile photo signals the user is reluctant to participate fully in networking and socializing. This can be off-putting to some degree.
Tips for Using a Default Profile Picture
If you are considering replacing your LinkedIn profile photo with a default or anonymous image, here are some best practices to follow:
Choose the right default image
Rather than LinkedIn’s silhouette, pick a professional abstract image, logo, or icon that reflects your brand and personality.
Keep your profile robust
Make up for the lack of photo by having an eye-catching headline, detailed work history, rich media, recommendations, and full contact info.
Engage actively with your network
Continue commenting thoughtfully, sharing content, and participating in discussions to avoid seeming disengaged.
Be transparent in your bio
Briefly explain your reasons for forgoing a personal photo to avoid misinterpretations.
Consider connections selectively
Vet connection requests more closely for relevance since you lack a photo signal. Avoid appearing elitist.
The Future of Anonymous Profiles
Will the trend toward default and blank profile pictures continue to accelerate in the coming years? Here are some projections:
Mainstream acceptance
As more members join in, anonymous profiles will become normalized on LinkedIn and unlikely to raise many eyebrows.
Women early adopters
Women seeking safety, privacy, and equal footing will continue leading the way in profile photo removal.
Industry differences
These changes may happen faster in more progressive industries like technology, media, and the nonprofit sector.
Older users slower to adapt
Middle-aged and older users, who are less privacy-conscious, are less likely to remove photos compared to younger generations.
New mixed norms
We may see a hybrid landscape of some members with photos and some without. Both approaches will be accepted in the mainstream.
Conclusion
Profile photo removal is a complex issue reflecting many of society’s ongoing changes in privacy norms, identity politics, and professional networking behavior. What is certain is that the traditional LinkedIn photo is becoming optional. Users have valid reasons on both sides of this new visual anonymity divide. With thoughtful communication, the platform can hopefully evolve to make all members feel welcome, safe, and judged on the right qualities.
