Posted by Last year, Elon Musk’s social network X, formerly known as Twitter, introduced a feature allowing paid users to conceal their blue checkmarks from others, as the checks transitioned primarily into a paid feature. However, the company is now reversing course, notifying users that this feature will soon be discontinued.
As is characteristic of decisions made by X, no definite timeline has been provided for the switch. What is clearer is that this move will further blur the understanding of what the blue checkmark signifies, especially given its rapid implementation alongside another recent change: X extending blue-check status to additional non-paying users based on their number of “blue check” followers.
Recently, the company removed a section from its X Premium support page detailing how paying users could hide their checkmarks. Subsequently, it began sending notifications to Premium users providing more explicit information.
Prior to Elon’s involvement, a blue checkmark on one’s handle symbolized the ultimate Twitter humblebrag, bestowed by Twitter itself to signify the significance or impact of one’s profile on social media or the broader world, aiding in distinguishing genuine accounts from impersonations.
However, this perception shifted after Elon’s tenure, during which the checks were transformed into a premium, paid feature, effectively commodifying the symbol for a nominal fee. Consequently, it lost its value as a status or verification symbol, perhaps even becoming somewhat embarrassing.
Despite reluctance from users to admit to financially supporting a company that had encountered turmoil under its new leadership, the premium tier offered additional benefits such as editing features, extended post length, and enhanced direct messaging capabilities. This led to the introduction of the ability to hide checkmarks.
Now, those who were previously unenthusiastic users are voicing their discontent.
The company continues to grapple with significant trust and safety issues on the platform, including not only impersonation but also misinformation, harassment, and other forms of abusive content. Elon’s transformation of the blue checkmark into a revenue-generating feature undermined its original purpose of combating these issues.
X has implemented several other changes that have muddied the understanding of what blue checkmarks represent on the platform. Initially restricting checkmarks to paying users only, some individuals still appeared to retain blue checks without paying. Subsequently, the company officially reintroduced blue checkmarks for a select few top accounts.
Earlier this month, the social network began awarding blue checkmarks to influential users with over 2,500 “verified” followers. Additionally, it started offering its Premium subscription to these users and a Premium+ subscription to those with over 5,000 verified followers. However, this system operates somewhat ambiguously, resembling a pyramid scheme, with a large pool of “verified” users, some paid and some unpaid, lacking clear delineation or explanation.