Twitter Purge: A Confusing Conundrum for High-Profile Users, but Not What Elon Musk Promised
In a move that has left many Twitter users perplexed, the social media platform announced last week that it would be phasing out its blue check marks on April 1. The change, which was meant to "treat everyone equally," is instead resulting in a confusing and somewhat contradictory system.
The plan, as initially stated by Elon Musk, would require users to pay $8 per month to join the Twitter Blue subscription service in order to stay verified. However, when most high-profile blue check holders woke up on Saturday expecting their coveted verification marks to disappear, they were surprised to find that only one account – that of the New York Times – had lost its blue check.
The Times' main account was stripped of its blue mark after Musk responded to a tweet from an anti-bullying activist who joked about the outlet declining to pay for verification. The billionaire took to Twitter to lash out at the news organization, claiming their coverage is boring and "propaganda."
This latest move has raised questions about the logic behind Musk's decision-making process. While he claims that reserving blue checks for paid users will reduce impersonation on the site, experts argue that it may actually have the opposite effect.
The change also muddles the reason accounts are verified, making it unclear whether verified users are notable individuals or simply those who have paid to join Twitter Blue. This lack of transparency could make it easier for people to scam or impersonate high-profile users.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Musk's approach to managing Twitter is often guided by whims rather than policy. The recent move has created whiplash among users, particularly those who are accustomed to having their blue checks intact.
In a move that has left many Twitter users perplexed, the social media platform announced last week that it would be phasing out its blue check marks on April 1. The change, which was meant to "treat everyone equally," is instead resulting in a confusing and somewhat contradictory system.
The plan, as initially stated by Elon Musk, would require users to pay $8 per month to join the Twitter Blue subscription service in order to stay verified. However, when most high-profile blue check holders woke up on Saturday expecting their coveted verification marks to disappear, they were surprised to find that only one account – that of the New York Times – had lost its blue check.
The Times' main account was stripped of its blue mark after Musk responded to a tweet from an anti-bullying activist who joked about the outlet declining to pay for verification. The billionaire took to Twitter to lash out at the news organization, claiming their coverage is boring and "propaganda."
This latest move has raised questions about the logic behind Musk's decision-making process. While he claims that reserving blue checks for paid users will reduce impersonation on the site, experts argue that it may actually have the opposite effect.
The change also muddles the reason accounts are verified, making it unclear whether verified users are notable individuals or simply those who have paid to join Twitter Blue. This lack of transparency could make it easier for people to scam or impersonate high-profile users.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Musk's approach to managing Twitter is often guided by whims rather than policy. The recent move has created whiplash among users, particularly those who are accustomed to having their blue checks intact.
like how did the new york times account just magically get a blue check back and now everyone else is stuck in this weird limbo where some people have paid verification and others dont? 
it's all so confusing! 
and i'm low-key worried about the whole scam thing now that verified users are basically anyone who pays for twitter blue... how are we supposed to know if someone's legit or not? 
doesn't make sense to me
. First of all, who thought it was a good idea to make verified users pay for their "privilege" 
? It's like he's more worried about the money than people being scammed 
. I'm not sure what the logic is behind it all, but one thing's for sure: Musk needs to get a grip 
. Can't he just stick to a clear plan instead of making stuff up as he goes along? 
. I feel for the other high-profile users who lost their verification marks without warning – it's like they got left in the dark 
. And let's be real, Musk's personal beef with the NYT doesn't change the fact that this whole thing is a hot mess 
. I just wish he'd explain what's going on and make it clear who gets to keep their blue checks 
. It's like, is it based on who you are or how much money you're willing to throw at Twitter? 
.
. I was expecting some real change with the Twitter Blue subscription, but now it just feels like a confusing mess. The fact that only one high-profile account lost its blue check is wild 
. This whole thing has me wondering if he's more interested in stirring up drama than making actual improvements to the platform 
. And honestly, who thought it was a good idea to reserve blue checks for paid users? It just opens up more opportunities for scammers and impersonators 
. I'm still trying to wrap my head around all this...
. But seriously though, this whole thing has got me wondering what's really going on behind the scenes at Twitter... are they just messing with us or is there something we're not seeing? 
. Anyone else feel like they're stuck in some kind of Twitter purgatory? 
Newsflash, Elon: just 'cause you don't like someone doesn't mean they should lose their verification.
.
. You just can't make this stuff up 
. He's all like "Hey, let's make everyone pay to be verified!" and then suddenly changes his mind 
. It's creating a mess and making users question the whole system 
.
. In the meantime, I'm over here drawing a little diagram to try and make sense of it all 
i mean, elon's all about 'treating everyone equally' but now it feels like he's just picking and choosing who gets verified 
now it's all about who's got deep pockets 
.
He was all like we're gonna make everyone equal and pay for verification, but now only one account (NYT) lost its blue check? 
and btw, if elon musk's idea is to cut down on fake accounts, why does the nyc times get to keep its blue check tho? seems fishy 
.