Is It Networking or Social Climbing? Let’s Be Real.

You’re sipping your overpriced matcha in peace when suddenly—boom! A new follower slides in. They’ve liked 12 photos, left 3 fire emojis, and commented “OMG we should collab!!” on a post from 2022.

Congratulations. You’ve just been spotted by a social climber in the wild.

Look, Instagram is the new LinkedIn with better lighting and cuter outfits. We all know the game: collaborations, mutual tags, “let’s grab coffee” DMs that somehow always involve a camera and a content plan.

But lately, it feels like networking has taken a sharp left into manipulation-ville.

So… what’s the difference?

Networking is:

• Authentic connection

• Mutual support

• “I love your work—how can we elevate each other?”

Social climbing is:

• Strategic tagging

• Forced friendships

• “You looked popular, so I showed up with a ring light.”

And don’t get me wrong—there’s nothing bad about wanting to grow. But it gets weird when:

• People only show up when your post is going viral.

• You’re invited to “hang out” only when a brand is watching.

• Suddenly you’re the star of someone’s story, but they don’t even know your last name.

Here’s the tea:

Social media should be social, not transactional. If your “friends” only reach out when they need content, an invite, or exposure… it’s not networking. It’s networking cosplay.

Hot take: If you wouldn’t hang out with them offline, maybe don’t build a brand together online.

So what do we do about it?

1. Protect your energy. You’re allowed to say no to fake collabs and weird vibes.

2. Call in your real ones. Tag the people who show up for you when the camera’s off.

3. Laugh it off. Because if we don’t make memes about it… what’s the point?

Final thought:

Social climbing might get you into the room, but authenticity keeps you invited back.

Now go post something iconic—and tag your real friends, not just your algorithm allies.

#influencerculture #cloutchasers #socialclimbingseason #paperdollblog