When Jackleen Nnely reached out to Hilary Edughele on LinkedIn to ask about his experience at the University of Northampton, neither expected their exchange to lead to romance. Five years later, the two are married, highlighting a growing trend among younger users turning to professional networking platforms to forge personal connections.
As traditional dating apps face increasing criticism for repetitive swiping and superficial matches, some young people are exploring alternative ways to meet potential partners. LinkedIn, primarily designed for career networking, has seen a notable shift, with a significant portion of its users open to romantic interactions. According to a survey conducted by Zety, a CV-template platform, approximately one in four LinkedIn users in the United States consider using the site for dating acceptable, and about 22 percent have either initiated or responded to messages with romantic intent.
Edughele, an IT professional, explained that Nnely initially contacted him after watching a promotional video he created for the University of Northampton, seeking guidance as she considered pursuing a master’s degree there. Their communication evolved beyond professional advice, eventually leading to a lasting relationship.
Psychotherapist Eloise Skinner commented on the appeal of this trend, noting that many individuals become fatigued by the endless cycle of swiping and chatting on dating apps with strangers to whom they have little in common. Some turn to platforms like LinkedIn, where shared professional interests can provide a foundation for deeper connections.
In another example, 24-year-old freelance writer Esme Gordon-Craig from London used LinkedIn to reconnect with a colleague after her internship ended, suggesting they meet in person to continue discussing career paths. The encounter quickly took on the tone of a date, highlighting the blurred lines between professional and personal intentions on the platform. Gordon-Craig noted a gender dynamic at play, observing that women expressing romantic interest may be seen as “cute,” whereas men doing the same often risk being labeled “creepy.”
Despite these developments, LinkedIn maintains strict policies against using the site for dating. A spokesperson emphasized the company’s priority is to protect users from unwanted romantic advances, and accounts found to be misusing the platform for dating can face suspension or bans.
This evolution in how young professionals seek relationships reflects wider shifts in social behavior online, balancing the benefits of networking with the desire for authentic personal connections.