Most people would celebrate 700 likes on a LinkedIn post. I saw it as a red flag and deleted the app. When my Free Malta launch got ignored on LinkedIn but exploded on Reddit with 100+ upvotes, I realized something important: engagement metrics are worthless if the community is fake.

LinkedIn in 2026 is drowning in AI-generated novels, fake achievements, and sales spam. The algorithm only cares about dwell time, not quality. Meanwhile, real platforms like Reddit are where actual people give genuine feedback and support real projects.

This isn't just a rant, it's a wake-up call for entrepreneurs wasting time on vanity metrics instead of building real communities. Learn why Profile SEO matters more than posting frequency, why dwell time killed authentic content, and where you should actually focus your energy in 2026.

Why I'm Ditching LinkedIn and Where You Can Actually Find Free Malta

I haven't posted anything on LinkedIn for two weeks, and honestly, I probably won't for a while. Why? Because LinkedIn is turning into a dumpster fire. No valuable content anymore; just ass-kissing, fake drama, and people patting themselves on the back.

I've been thinking about quitting LinkedIn for a while, but my last post sealed the deal. It was probably one of the most nonsensical things I've ever shared, and it got nearly 700 likes. That's when I knew: I'm done with this circus. People don't care about quality. Why waste my energy?

Here's the kicker: most people in my situation would double down after getting 700 likes. They'd post more, brag about it, turn it into their entire personality. But me? I saw it as a massive red flag. If garbage content gets that much attention, this platform has nothing left to offer me.

You send 100 messages and maybe 5 people reply. And why? Because everyone's inbox is flooded with trash sales pitches. People are exhausted. I deleted the app from my phone, and it was one of the best decisions I've made. Now I only check it 5-10 minutes a day to see if there's an actual message worth reading.

LinkedIn doesn't care about how valuable your content is anymore. Almost everything is AI-generated. People write novels about themselves, constantly selling their "achievements" and most of it is lies. LinkedIn only cares about one thing: dwell time. How long you stare at the screen.

I cancelled all my subscriptions because it's just not worth it. When I launched Free Malta on LinkedIn, barely anyone noticed. But when I shared it on Reddit? Over 100 upvotes, tons of comments, and DMs. Why? Because Reddit is a real platform with real people. It's an amazing place to get genuine feedback.

The New Currency: Dwell Time and Fake Engagement

In 2026, a "Like" is a vanity metric—basically worthless. The new gold standard is Dwell Time: how long users spend consuming your content. The algorithm now prioritizes quality-focused, multi-format content like strategic carousels and deep-dive videos over text-heavy rants.

But here's the catch: you can't automate soul. Meaningful comments and prompt engagement after posting are now the deciding factors for reach. If you're not actually talking to your community, the algorithm won't show your content to them.

Your Profile Isn't a CV; It's a Search Engine

One of the biggest shifts in 2026 is the move toward Profile SEO. Your LinkedIn profile isn't a static resume anymore; it's your most powerful landing page.

2026 is about being findable. Optimizing your headline, about section, and experience with strategic keywords isn't optional—it's the foundation of your digital presence.

Don't just list what you did; demonstrate your expertise through the "Featured" section with real-world reports and case studies.

Read the full article and access the detailed report at maltainsider.com