The rollout of free blue checks on X, previously known as Twitter, has caused controversy among users who view the verification symbol as a badge of shame associated with the platform’s paid subscription model. The blue checkmarks were once considered a prestigious badge of authenticity for notable and influential accounts, but have since been devalued by Elon Musk’s introduction of paid tiers for verification. Musk announced that accounts with a high number of verified followers would receive Premium features for free, while those with even more subscribers would get Premium Plus benefits. Some users were surprised by the sudden reappearance of the blue check, while others expressed frustration at being associated with Musk’s paid program without their consent.
In response to the backlash, X offered subscribers the option to hide their blue check through account settings, although using premium features could still reveal a user’s status. The move to offer free premium tier subscriptions is part of X’s effort to enhance the credibility of high-profile accounts on the platform amidst growing concerns about misinformation. The ability to pay for a blue verification tick on X has transformed the once-trusted symbol of authenticity into a source of ridicule. Musk’s decision to remove “legacy” accounts from the program and sell blue checks to anyone willing to pay further tarnished the badge’s reputation, leading to the emergence of numerous verified imposter accounts and undermining its integrity as a marker of authenticity.
A comedy account on X, Best of Nextdoor, voiced criticism of the blue check system, highlighting the frustrations of many users who view the verification symbol as an unwanted association with Musk’s paid scheme. Elon Musk’s wealth is estimated at $191.2 billion, primarily derived from his ownership and management of companies such as Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company, and Neuralink. Musk currently ranks as the third richest person in the world, falling behind Jeff Bezos and Bernard Arnault. As Musk continues to make headlines with his business ventures and controversial decisions, the impact of X’s blue check system on user trust and credibility remains a topic of interest and debate among social media users.