Elon Musk sent shockwaves through the Twitterverse by proposing a $8 per month fee for the platform‘s verified blue checkmark. This survey-based article analyzes how Twitter users feel about paying for verification, examines arguments on both sides, and provides tips for combating misinformation online.
Key Statistics on Perceptions of Paid Twitter Verification
According to a November 2022 survey by All About Cookies, most Twitter users are not on board with Musk‘s suggested $8 monthly subscription for verification.
- Only 28% of respondents believe paid verification would improve Twitter‘s user experience
- A mere 28% said they would pay $8 or more per month for a blue verification checkmark
- A sizable 44% of Twitter users wouldn‘t pay anything for verification
- But 54% currently use verification checkmarks to gauge trustworthiness
This data indicates a majority of Twitter users find value in the free verification system. They rely on checkmarks to identify credible accounts but don‘t want to pay monthly fees themselves.
The Complexities of Paid Verification on Twitter
Twitter currently has a detailed verification policy, granting checkmarks to accounts that prove authenticity, notability, and activity. But Elon Musk contends opening verification to any paying subscriber could help combat troublesome bots and trolls.
Charging for verification would in theory deter bad actors who currently create fake accounts for free. However, putting verification behind a paywall presents risks, including:
- Confusion over which accounts are legit. If only paying users get checkmarks, it may become harder to identify credible sources of information on Twitter.
- Loss of intrinsic value. Twitter verification has historically been free and reserved for public figures, organizations, and journalistic entities that users look to for accurate updates. Having to pay $8/month could diminish its significance.
- Selective verification. Not all groups or individuals can afford monthly verification fees. Pay-to-play risks leaving out marginalized voices and community-driven accounts.
- User disengagement. Only 0.2% of Twitter‘s 237.8 million daily active users are currently verified. Many without business/branding incentives may abandon Twitter if asked to pay for verification.
On the flip side, charging for verification could provide some advantages:
- New revenue stream. Subscriptions could generate income to offset Twitter‘s reliance on advertising. In Q2 2022, Twitter reported revenues had fallen 1% year-over-year partly due to ad market instability.
- Discourage fake accounts. Adding a monetary cost could deter some bot/spam accounts, though likely not all. Studies estimate 19.4% of Twitter accounts are fake or spam.
- More inclusive verification. Opening verification to anyone willing to pay $8 per month does broaden access beyond just high-profile accounts.
On balance, Twitter would need to weigh risks of undercutting trust versus potential revenue gains. And paid verification may not be the only solution for combating misinformation.
Twitter Users Voice Opposition to Paid Verification
Many prominent Twitter accounts have voiced skepticism about paying for verification. For example, author Stephen King tweeted in response:
"*"$20 a month to keep my blue check? F** that, they should pay me. If that gets instituted, I’m gone like Enron."
King‘s sentiment echoes the concerns of average users. Those accustomed to free verification for the public good see the proposed fee as a cash grab. They feel Twitter‘s focus should be upholding information integrity rather than monetization schemes.
However, others argue opening verification access could be beneficial. Tech analyst Ben Thompson tweeted:
"Charging for verification is a great idea…The point of verification is accountability, and charging is far more accountable than arbitrarily deciding who “deserves” it."
In this view, paying for verification promotes transparency rather than gatekeeping. Still, the majority of surveyed Twitter users remain unconvinced based on the All About Cookies data cited above.
Tips for Assessing Credibility Beyond Verification Badges
Verification badges are one signal but cannot be fully relied upon when evaluating trustworthiness on social platforms. Here are pro tips for combating misinformation online:
- Check account history. Longevity and consistency of messaging offer clues to credibility.
- Cross-reference claims. Verify facts and statements against other reputable sources.
- Watch for odd links/messages. Use caution with strange posts/links, even from known contacts.
- Adjust privacy settings. Limit data collected by platforms to avoid misuse by bad actors.
- Clear cookies routinely. Prevent unknown parties from tracking your online activity.
- Diversify sources. Get perspectives from multiple sides of any issue.
- Think critically. Consider motivations and agendas behind online communications.
Misinformation flourishes when users are overwhelmed by the speed and scale of social platforms. But individually taking time to investigate and corroborate content can go a long way.
Striking a Balance for Twitter‘s Future
On one hand, Elon Musk makes reasonable arguments that diversifying revenue and safeguarding integrity are priorities for Twitter‘s future growth. On the other, implementing sweeping changes without input from the Twitter community risks alienating the very users who make the platform valuable.
There may be opportunities to refine the verification model and curb misuse while avoiding across-the-board paid subscriptions. For example, Twitter could:
- Keep verification free for individuals but charge brands and organizations
- Run free verification through enhanced identity confirmation
- Leverage partnerships with fact-checking organizations to expand verification
With Musk at the helm, Twitter is poised for reinvention. But it remains to be seen whether the wisdom of the Twitter crowd or Musk‘s vision alone will guide the social network into its next era. Maintaining transparency, building user trust, and staying attentive to the public voice will be critical.
