Recently, I clicked on an article with “Imposter Syndrome” in the headline, curious to see the perspective.
It was nothing more than clickbait: Imposter Syndrome was not mentioned at all in the article. Not at all. Nada. Zero. Zilch.
It’s not the first article to do this.
We live in a world where ‘attention’ is currency… that means Clickbait is here to stay.
Clickbait refers to sensational or misleading headlines designed to attract clicks, regardless of accuracy or substance. It’s marketing manipulation, not informed discussion. And when it comes to Imposter Syndrome, it’s not just misleading, it’s harmful.
To be clear - Clickbait is not the same as a Marketing Hook. Marketing hooks are also designed to grab attention but are rarely harmful.
It’s also important to not confuse visibility with credibility.
Just because someone is successful, influential, or has a large platform doesn’t mean they understand Imposter Syndrome, let alone have the expertise to educate others on it.
This is where a powerful cognitive bias called the Halo Effect comes into play. The Halo Effect is our brain’s shortcut: when we perceive someone as talented or credible in one area, we unconsciously assume they’re credible in other areas too, even when they’re not.
So, when high-profile people speak publicly about Imposter Syndrome and get it wrong, they often go unchallenged. Their words are absorbed as truth by many, even when they’re based purely on personal opinion or misunderstanding.
Personal stories are important. They are powerful and often inspiring.
But personal opinions are not expertise.
And opinions should never be presented as facts.
As someone who has spent 12 years researching Imposter Syndrome, it’s tough to see it used as Clickbait. And I know it’s not the only topic to be misrepresented in this way, but it is my expertise. I take it personal, not just because I am a global expert on Imposter Syndrome but because I also suffered debilitating Imposter Syndrome for a decade of my previous career.
Imposter Syndrome is not a buzzword to be thrown around. It’s not a trend. And it is absolutely not a “superpower.”
Yet more and more, we’re seeing people online attempting to rebrand Imposter Syndrome as if it’s some kind of quirky advantage. Calling it a “gift” or “strength in disguise”. This misinformation and disinformation can create a tsunami of harm to those genuinely struggling. You do not need Imposter Syndrome to be a good leader or a high performer.
In fact, as long as it’s in the driver’s seat, you won’t internalise your success or own your competence. You’ll talk yourself down or out of rooms entirely. You’ll never feel “good enough,” and you’ll be driven by fear-based behaviours that wreak havoc on your brain & body.
When people misuse the term, Imposter Syndrome they:
Reinforce the harmful belief that suffering = strength.
You don’t need to suffer or feel like an 'Imposter' to succeed.
Success built on self-criticism, fear, and overcompensation is not sustainable, it’s survival mode at best. And that’s exactly what Imposter Syndrome keeps people locked into - surviving, not authentically thriving.
What you can do:
Don’t confuse visibility with credibility.
Understand how the halo effect skews judgment (on Imposter Syndrome but across many things)
Support voices with real expertise and lived understanding across all of your topics of interest.
So my hope (but I won’t hold my breath) is that Imposter Syndrome stops being used as clickbait.
It’s a common barrier, that deserves REAL attention. Let’s conquer it, not trick ourselves (or let others trick us) into romanticising it.
Until next week.
Alison
Want to understand, navigate, and conquer Imposter Syndrome for good?Click Here
