AFP
X, previously known as Twitter, has made a surprising decision to bring back the iconic blue verification badge for certain accounts with large followings. This move marks a significant shift in the platform’s verification approach, as these badges were removed from influential accounts almost a year ago.
The reintroduction of the blue check mark seems to be a response to an announcement by platform owner Elon Musk in late March. Musk stated that accounts with over 2,500 verified subscriber followers would receive X Premium features for free, while those with over 5,000 verified subscriber followers would get X Premium+ features. One of the key features in these premium packages is the reinstatement of the blue check mark, a symbol of credibility and authenticity on social media.
Going forward, all 𝕏 accounts with over 2500 verified subscriber followers will get Premium features for free and accounts with over 5000 will get Premium+ for free
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 28, 2024
Originally a symbol of authenticity, the blue badge’s meaning has evolved significantly under Musk’s ownership of X. Verification became a paid feature for X Premium members after Musk took over, sparking controversy. However, the recent decision to restore verification to prominent accounts indicates a potential change in X’s strategy to retain and attract influential users.
“Some new recipients are already choosing to hide the check mark,” posted U.K. parliamentary candidate Edward Lucas. “I have turned off the spurious bluetick, which does nothing to help identity assurance and much to confuse it.”
While some users find the return of the blue check mark amusing, others are skeptical. Some unexpectedly verified users rushed to clarify that they did not seek out or pay for the badge, fearing confusion among their followers. This reflects the ongoing debate on the value and purpose of verification in today’s social media landscape.
Critics argue that X’s handling of verification has led to confusion and mistrust among users. The platform’s decision to make verification a paid feature and remove badges from previously verified accounts has raised questions about transparency and fairness.
“In a world where celebrities and public figures refuse to pay for the check mark, then the verification loses its value,” said Karen North, a professor of digital social media at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. “By restoring verification to famous and influential users, whether they like it or not, X increases the value of verification for those who pay for it.”
As X faces these challenges, competitors like Meta’s Threads are gaining popularity among users looking for alternatives. Meta’s recent experiment with paying creators for highly viewed Threads posts underscores the growing competition in the social media industry.
Twitter
Elon musk
Social networks
2024-04-09 02:00:03
Original from www.ibtimes.com
