Twitter’s “Blue” service now offers the option to hide check marks
According to a recently updated Twitter Help article, users who subscribe to the “Blue” service now have the option to hide their check mark. This comes after owner Elon Musk made changes to the verification system upon his purchase of Twitter. Previously, the check mark was issued to noteworthy accounts or those at risk of impersonation. Under the new subscription-based system, users receive a check mark once they pay for the service and attach a phone number to their account.
Main Points:
- Elon Musk reconfigured Twitter’s verification system after acquiring the company.
- Previously, the check mark was given to noteworthy accounts or those at risk of impersonation.
- The new subscription-based system issues the check mark to users who pay for the service.
- Users now have the option to hide their check mark under the “Blue” subscription service.
- Research shows that Blue subscribers are often associated with conservative political content, positive views about Elon Musk, and cryptocurrency promotion.
It’s unclear why Twitter is offering the choice to hide the check mark, but the company warns that it may still appear in some places and some features could reveal the user’s active subscription. The check mark symbol has gained a negative connotation among many users due to its association with cryptocurrency scams and extremist political views. However, some users may still want to display their check mark for verification purposes or visibility.
Hot Take:
Twitter’s decision to allow users to hide their check marks in the “Blue” service reflects a move towards giving users more control over their online presence. While the check mark has traditionally been a symbol of verification and credibility, it has also become associated with negative aspects of the platform. Allowing users to choose whether or not to display the check mark recognizes that its meaning can vary and gives individuals the choice to align themselves with or distance themselves from those associations.