Elon Musk’s redesigned social media site, previously known as Twitter, has unexpectedly brought back blue check verification for a limited group of users, causing mixed emotions among its user base.
Originally, verified status on Twitter was marked by blue check badges, which politicians, celebrities, and other high-profile individuals generally owned. However, under Musk’s directives, the platform saw major tweaks, including starting a subscription-based verification services model, which confused users and caused them to file complaints.
Recent events suggest a change in strategy, as Musk declared that accounts with an extensive following would be eligible for free premium features, such as the coveted blue check.
Users’ responses to Musk’s initiatives to democratize verification have been mixed. While some were relieved to see their blue check status returned, others voiced displeasure over their unwillingness to pay for premium services. Actress Yvette Nicole Brown expressed her displeasure, questioning the unexpectedly imposed unpaid verification status on her account.
In addition, the return of blue checks has spurred debates on what they mean, with some reading them supporting Musk’s ownership and membership-based business strategy.
In addition to the blue-check drama, X is confronted with more general issues related to hate speech, disinformation, and content management. Following complaints of their adverts appearing alongside extremist content, major advertisers, such as IBM and NBCUniversal, discontinued their advertising on the platform. Advertisers criticized and boycotted Musk after his aggressive approach to these issues.
Furthermore, X has come under fire for his attempts to stifle his critics by suing companies that monitor hate speech and other individuals. Despite these obstacles, X still has trouble winning back users’ trust and generating revenue from advertisements, highlighting the difficulties in balancing community involvement and content management in the digital world.