system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
CMV: Networking is the same thing as nepotism and cronyism

The only difference is you have to work on getting the connect. Even if you disagree, the three involve getting something primarily because of who you know. Meritocracy may play some role in it, particularly for specialized fields but the three -isms come in place for positions where literally anyone partially competent can do, whether its a low or high authority role.

Even though networking requires people to be proactive, those initials starts are largely driven by socioeconomic status. Someone who comes from a low class background can benefit from it, but their success is not as likely to go as far as someone who grew up in an affluent family, with parents who could connect them to some super important people.
gpt
I think you may be relying on how networking is portrayed in pop culture. But typically what is being portrayed is just nepotism dressed up as networking for dramatic purposes. 

Real networking is pretty boring and looks like regular old "work". It isn't just knowing people, it's actively engaging in your profession's community. Corresponding with your peers, participating in conferences or committee's, volunteering, etc. Doing things that push your profession or industry forward. Not only getting your name into people's heads but showing them that you are both capable and actively give a shit.

Meritocracy gets thrown around a lot in discussions like these, but always in a self serving way. Most often "merit" is boiled down to a strict, mechanical ability to accomplish a strictly defined set of tasks independent of any human interaction. But most jobs aren't a strictly defined set of tasks that can be completed mechanically. If a job does fall into that category it's most likely a low skill position anyway. Merit is ultimately defined by those doing the hiring and being a know quantity can give one candidate a lot of merit points that often out weighs raw ability.