The phrase “most networking is useless” may sound cynical, but it reflects a growing frustration with how professional relationships are often approached today. In many industries, networking has become associated with collecting contacts, attending events, or making superficial connections rather than building meaningful relationships.

For millennials, networking was frequently presented as an essential part of career growth. Professional events, conferences, and corporate platforms encouraged people to expand their circles in the hope of creating future opportunities. While networking has helped many careers, it has also led to interactions that feel transactional and lacking genuine value.

Gen Z approaches networking with a different mindset. Digital platforms have made it easier to connect with people globally, but younger professionals often prioritise authenticity over formality. Many prefer communities built around shared interests, creativity, or collaboration instead of traditional business networking environments. This shift reflects a growing desire for real connection rather than forced professional interaction.

That does not mean networking itself is ineffective. Strong relationships still matter in business, creative work, and personal development. Opportunities often come through trust, shared experiences, and consistent communication. However, meaningful connections usually develop naturally over time rather than through scripted conversations or collecting business cards.

The problem is not networking as a concept, but the expectation that every interaction should produce immediate results. Building relationships purely for personal gain can feel insincere and exhausting.

In many cases, focusing on skills, reliability, and genuine collaboration creates stronger long term connections than traditional networking methods alone. Real relationships tend to provide more value than large numbers of shallow professional contacts.