Chapter 2: The Modern Verification Era

If you’re an active Twitter user, you may have encountered the "Twitter Blue" verification service that Elon Musk introduced recently. This feature operates on a subscription basis, allowing users to pay for a blue checkmark and gain early access to new functionalities. The cost starts at $8 per month or $84 annually for those feeling generous with their finances.

The service offers a range of features, including but not limited to:

• Tweet Editing: Users get a 30-minute window to correct any spelling mistakes in their original or quoted tweets.
• Prioritized Articles: Access to the most-shared articles within your network, including those shared by people you follow and their connections.
• Extended Tweet Length: Ability to tweet up to 4,000 characters, which may require more editing time for potential errors.
• Custom Themes: A feature for users who frequently change the color scheme of their Twitter app.
• NFT Profile Pictures: An option for those who enjoy flaunting digital collectibles.

Source: BAYC

The requirement to pay for verification was met with skepticism, as many users considered abandoning the platform due to Musk's pursuit of profit.

The service has led to amusing situations, with some users taking advantage of their newly acquired verification status to impersonate celebrities and deceive unsuspecting individuals. A notable incident involved a user posing as the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, falsely announcing that insulin would be free, which resulted in a significant drop in the company’s stock price.

Source: ebaumsworld

A YouTube comment encapsulated the situation well: "Once the checkmark became a status symbol, rather than a way of distinguishing real accounts, this was almost inevitable." — The Cynical Autist

Chapter 3: Zuckerberg’s Imitation

Amid this chaos, Meta has launched its own subscription service, allowing users to pay $11.99 for verification on both Facebook and Instagram.

A service that costs more than Twitter's? Fantastic.

It gets even more absurd as Meta requires users to submit a government ID to verify their identity. This is quite the ask from a company whose business model revolves around selling user data. By opting into this service, users are essentially paying to have their information sold — a perplexing situation indeed.

While Meta claims their service focuses on security against fake accounts, it's hard to ignore the blatant borrowing of ideas from competitors. If a company needs to mimic others so obviously, it raises questions about the true value they offer. Currently, it seems that innovation is lacking at Meta, especially considering the decline of Zuckerberg's ambitious Metaverse project.

Photo by Timothy Hales Bennett on Unsplash

Chapter 4: What Lies Ahead?

With the tumultuous changes in verification processes, there’s a growing concern that the significance of blue checks will continue to erode. It appears that verification has shifted from identifying genuine accounts to serving as a status symbol.

Despite this trend, future advancements could emerge to combat identity fraud among verified users, such as biometric scans or facial recognition technologies. Additionally, the rise of decentralized social media platforms may reshape online verification, empowering users to manage their data and content independently.

As technology evolves, verification processes will undoubtedly adapt to meet shifting trends and user demands. The hope is that this evolution will prioritize responsible practices for individuals.

Feel free to share your thoughts on the current verification landscape in the comments, and stay tuned for more articles to come. Until next time, see you soon!

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

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