Yeah, people defend Linus and other faces like MKBHD for one huge reason: Parasocial relationships.
Just look at all the conversation happening in this thread with people defending the figure of Linus (and others). Influencers, even tech influencers, make money because they can monetize those people.
And Linus appeals primarily to the folks who like thinking of themselves as the tech person in the family or at the office, but really they are no more technical than slotting a stick of RAM into a case on average.
simplejack@lemmy.world 3 months ago
Yeah, as someone who has been in people management for a long time, he has a way of interacting with people that makes my HR spidey sense tingle.
It’s very subtle, but there some ways of collaborating and communicating with his employees that I’ve seen before, and are often associated with people who get shitty reviews from the ICs and peers.
Contingencyfork@lemmy.world 3 months ago
HR Spidey sense! Love it.
simplejack@lemmy.world 3 months ago
After years on the job you have an eagle eye for the subtle hints that slip out. Talking over people, dismissing options that are different than yours, playfully teasing people that don’t reciprocate, etc.
Maybe it’s nothing, but when I watch his videos I have flashbacks to problematic leaders who often get shit reviews when employees are allowed to submit feedback anonymously.
Appoxo@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 months ago
But can you really reciprocate against the literal CEO/owner? I wouldnt dare to tease back my boss should he poke fun at me. No matter how playful it was meant to be. I would joke with his comment but never shoot bavk or at least aim to do it.