The Problem with Klout

For some time, I’ve refrained from writing about Klout and online influence, despite having strong opinions on both topics. Recently, during a casual chat with Daniel Newman, he shared a thought that resonated deeply with me. Paraphrased, it went something like this:

“The minute you pay attention to your Klout score is the instant your Klout score stops being accurate.”

The More You Care, the Less Accurate It Becomes

I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. In fact, I believe this principle scales. The more effort someone puts into improving their Klout score, the less authentic the score becomes.

The Core Issue with Klout

Klout’s popularity creates a paradox. As it becomes more influential, people consciously or unconsciously modify their behavior to optimize their scores. Ironically, this undermines its accuracy. Essentially, a system designed to measure genuine online influence becomes a game for those seeking to manipulate it.

Food for Thought

What’s your take on this? Do you agree or disagree with the idea that Klout scores become less reliable the more people care about them? Additionally, what are your thoughts on Klout or other online influence measurement tools?