Remember when the blue tick next to your name on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and dating apps meant you were the real deal?
Well, thanks to a bunch of bots and creeps out there, it doesn’t mean what it used to. And, just because it’s fun let’s also pin the blame on Elon Musk for his mishandling of Twitter Blue, the “premium” subscription.
Originally the platform had a free verification system, but when Musk implemented the new paid service people and businesses could purchase their ticks. As discussed in this article by NewsGuard, users are now jumping ship on the badge because Twitter never went the extra mile to actually verify the buyers were spreading factual information – lending an air of “ick” to the whole thing.
Dating apps like Tinder are also suffering because the bots and catfish have figured out how to fool the software into believing they’re a real user or the person they say they are. Meanwhile Instagram and Facebook both have ways to buy verification as well – which opens up the system for fakers and nuts who may have an insane political agenda.
In a nutshell, the verification badge really means nothing.
In fact, some would argue it could be hurting your legitimacy to have it since so many posers and weirdos have hijacked the badge.
If you decide you want it removed, there are a couple of ways to do it.
For Twitter, you can disable your tick by subscribing to Twitter Blue and removing it there. Or, according to this article from The Indian Express, you can also submit a name change and Twitter will remove your blue mark because the details don’t match from your original account.
For Facebook, you’ll have to delete your verified subscription to have it removed – if you don’t want to dump the service? Looks like your stuck with the badge.
For Instagram, it’s easier – just head to your settings and tap on the verification option to get rid of it. If you have Meta and Instagram legacy verified accounts you’ll have to send an actual request to get some satisfaction.
The whole thing is really kind of a bummer because it was a good idea to begin with.
My main question is, why do the idiots have to ruin it for everyone?
Photo credit: iStock.com/hapabapa
First image: iStock.com/Blankstock
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Alyssa Collins hails from Minnesota, where snowy days were the perfect excuse to stay warm inside and write. Over the years, she turned that joy into a career and has authored numerous articles for various publications (under pen names). Email Alyssa via alyssa@ynot.com.
