"Layla* was just 18 when she stopped using LinkedIn after what she said was an 'uncomfortable' encounter.
Warning: This article discusses sexual harassment
In 2019, she connected with someone on the social media platform through the 'find nearby' option during a university networking event with the intention of building her professional connections.
'Previously, I thought like it was pretty innocent, nothing to worry about,' Layla said.
After she connected with the man, she felt she was starting to build her network.
'He just messaged me saying that he thought that I had really cool ideas and wanted to get to know me further,' she said.
After they talked further she realised he wasn't interested in knowing her professionally, but 'had more of an interest of knowing [her] romantically,' she said.
He started to compliment her appearance when they met in person and she felt like 'he didn't want to leave' her after they met for dinner.
'I wanted to get out of there as soon as I was in it,' she said.
As social media networking apps become increasingly popular, more and more women are coming out with horror stories, and experts say some users' behaviour has become a real problem."
