We all have friends or connections on social media platforms whom we don’t want to keep in touch with, but don’t know how to remove them from our contact list. Blocking someone on LinkedIn keeps you from seeing their profile or from them seeing yours, cutting off their contact with you. In this article, we’ll be providing a step-by-step guide on how to block someone on LinkedIn.

I. Introduction to Blocking Someone on LinkedIn

At times, when we are using LinkedIn, we may encounter messages, posts or other activities on the platform that are unfavorable and unwanted. Blocking someone on LinkedIn is a way of keeping yourself away from unwanted interactions with such people. To block someone on LinkedIn, you need to know the steps discussed in this section.

LinkedIn allows you to block users from contacting you or seeing your profile. To do this, you can visit the user’s profile directly and interact with them via a message or comment. Then you can follow the below steps:

  • Go to the profile of the user you want to block.
  • Select the icon that looks like three dots in the upper-right corner.
  • Navigate to ‘Block or Report’ and click on it.
  • Confirm by clicking on ‘Block’.

Once you have completed the steps above, it means that the user has been successfully blocked. As a result, the person will be blocked from sending you messages, seeing your profile, or commenting on your activities. Additionally, depending on your settings, you may also be blocked from viewing their profile and activities.

II. Understanding the Benefits of Blocking on LinkedIn

Maximizing Reach with Blocking

Blocking allows you to maximize your reach on LinkedIn by reducing clutter on posts, emphasizing important content, and preventing negative interactions. It is also a great way to promote your content and brand on the platform. By blocking active members, you can limit who can see your content, which can help target to the right people who are interested in your content.

Advantages of Blocking

  • Safeguarding Your Brand – Blocking can help protect your brand from trolls, competitors, and inappropriate content.
  • Managing Controversial Content – You can limit who can comment on your posts or who can access certain content.
  • Limiting Unwanted Interactions – You can prevent certain people from interacting with you or your content.

The Downsides of Blocking

Blocking can also have a negative impact on your reach and visibility. If you block too many people, you risk alienating potential followers and reducing your reach. Additionally, blocking too many individuals or too often can lead to being flagged or banned from the platform.

III. Step-by-Step Guide to Blocking Someone on LinkedIn

In order to block someone on LinkedIn, you should take the following steps:

  • Check Profile:Visit the profile of the user you want to block, and make sure they are the person you want to block.
  • Open Settings:Go to your Settings & Privacy page.
  • Select Privacy:Under Account Management, select Privacy.
  • Choose Blocking:Under the section How others interact with you, select Blocking.
  • Enter Name:Enter the first and last name of the person you want to block, or begin entering their name and select them from the drop-down menu that appears.
  • Confirm Action:Confirm you want to block the person by clicking Block.

You may consider taking additional steps to protect your account from this person. For example, you may want to disconnect from any shared connections or review your privacy settings to ensure your profile and activity data are fully protected.

Going further, you can prevent someone from searching for you on LinkedIn. This can be done by simply visiting their profile, selecting the More icon (the three vertical dots), and then selecting Don’t recommend to others. This will make you undiscoverable by that person.

IV. Third-Party Tools for Blocking

Aside from ad blockers, web filters, and browser extensions, there are several independent third-party tools for blocking ads, malicious sites, and tracking scripts. These tools provide an additional layer of security for users, ensuring their safety and privacy. They are also useful for parents who want to protect their children from inappropriate or harmful content online. Here are some of the most popular third-party tools for blocking:

  • SafeIP: SafeIP is a free, open-source tool that blocks ads and malicious sites while also offering privacy protection. It can be used to hide your IP address and encrypt your web traffic, making it difficult for hackers and other cybercriminals to track you.
  • Net Armor: Net Armor is a powerful anti-malware tool that blocks malicious sites and tracking scripts. It also includes a real-time protection system for defending against viruses, worms, and other threats.
  • ContentKeeper: ContentKeeper is a commercial tool for blocking potentially dangerous sites and content. It is designed to protect users from adult content, gambling sites, and other inappropriate material.

Conclusion
Third-party tools offer an additional layer of security and can provide added protection against malicious sites, tracking scripts, and other dangerous content. They can be especially useful for parents who want to protect their children from inappropriate material. However, it is important to consider the features and cost before settling on a particular tool.

V. Final Thoughts on Blocking Someone on LinkedIn

Blocking someone on LinkedIn is an action that should be taken seriously and with consideration. It is a form of communication that eliminates any contact or communication from the individual being blocked. There are several factors to consider before choosing to block someone on LinkedIn and it is important to keep these in mind during this process.

Be aware of LinkedIn’s Block Policy Before blocking someone on LinkedIn, it is important to familiarize yourself with the specific policies and regulations in place. If a person is blocked, they are permanently blocked from contacting and/or viewing your profile. If any violations occur, you can also report them to LinkedIn, as it violates the Community Guidelines and Terms of Service.

Think Before You Block: Before you go through with blocking someone on LinkedIn, consider the situation from all angles. Is the person really worth blocking or are you simply responding in a reactionary manner? If an individual is truly offensive or unprofessional, then blocking them can be a productive way of taking back control. However, consider that you may need to communicate with them in the future.

Be Cautious of Social Media Implications Consider that blocking someone on LinkedIn is a very public action, as anyone you’re connected with can see it. They may send a message to ask about it or decide to take action of their own. It’s prudent to avoid a situation that may damage your online reputation.

  • Be aware of LinkedIn’s Block Policy
  • Think Before You Block
  • Be Cautious of Social Media Implications

Now, you know how to block someone on LinkedIn, you can rest assured that your profile and presence remain secure and maintained on the platform. Never hesitate to take the appropriate measures to protect your profile, feel free to block individuals who you feel threatened or uncomfortable around.