Thanks to Elon Musk, ‘regular everyday citizens’ got the golden opportunity to become verified on Twitter! For 48 hours, millions of Twitter users subscribed to Twitter Blue to receive their verification badge! What started as a quest to ignite ‘citizen journalism’ on Twitter quickly became a ‘parody nightmare’ for Musk due to users abusing their verification badge by impersonating celebrities and politicians.
As Twitter pursues the goal of elevating citizen journalism, media elite will try everything to stop that from happening
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 11, 2022
The Saga Begins
Welcome to the new era! Not only is Elon Musk the wealthiest man in the world, he’s the owner and CEO of one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, making him one of the most influential tech tycoons of all time. On Oct. 28, 2022, Musk officially completed his Twitter deal, acquiring $54.20 a share, ultimately becoming a total of $44 billion. The following week, Twitter began announcing layoffs via email, firing half of its staff. ABC News reviewed an email sent to an employee who was laid off. In the email, the company stated, “Today is your last working day at the company,” according to ABC News.
Once more. Musk is doing us an incredible favor by demonstrating beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is no meritocracy and that wealth and power do not, in any way, denote talent or competence.
— Jared Yates Sexton (@JYSexton) November 10, 2022
In the midst of receiving hardcore backlash for firing over 2,000 employees, Musk decides to announce changes to the Twitter Blue subscription, ultimately creating more chaos on Twitter. Prominent public officials and celebrities used their Twitter platform to speak out against the changes, only to receive a nonchalant reaction from Musk. For instance, Musk tweeted, “I love when people complain about Twitter on Twitter,” making it evident that he isn’t concerned about critics’ complaints.
Twitter Blue
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 8, 2022
Twitter Blue is a premium, $7.99 monthly subscription available to iOS users in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. However, accounts created on or after Nov. 9, 2022, will not be able to subscribe to Twitter Blue until further notice due to unforeseen circumstances. Reading this, you’re probably asking yourself why public officials and celebrities are furious about Twitter Blue verifications and parody accounts, especially since parody accounts have existed on social media for years.
To answer your question, classism. For example, before Musk’s pursuit, you had to be a prominent notable figure to receive a verification badge. By allowing ‘regular people’ to receive a verification badge for $7.99 a month, Musk is devaluing the verification badge to a certain extent, which frustrates public figures who prefer to have a symbol separate them from individuals they perceive as ‘not important.’
My Twitter thoughts, a thread – please read this with an open mind:
— Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser) November 11, 2022
"Regular" people should not have a verified checkmark. The checkmark isn't exclusive to Twitter — it's supposed to be a universal sign on social media for authority at a glance.
In addition, advertising agencies aren’t happy about Twitter Blue’s outcome, causing them to pause brand ads. Notable brands that have taken a stand against Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover are General Mills, Pfizer, and Volkswagen. Moreover, advertising plays a fundamental role in Twitter’s revenue. For instance, in 2021, Twitter garnered $4.5 billion from advertising. Losing ad revenue ultimately sabotages Musk’s plans for Twitter, making it no surprise why he has temporarily paused Twitter account verifications.
Parody Mayhem
Once Elon Musk noticed that chaos began to take place, he immediately issued a statement regarding the proper usage of parody accounts. “Going forward, accounts engaged in parody must include ‘parody’ in their name, not just in bio,” he tweeted. Instead of permanently suspending parody accounts like the previous owners of Twitter have done throughout the past few years, Musk allowed Twitter users to express themselves freely. Unfortunately, users abused their freedom, causing mayhem for 48 hours.
Okay twitter blue has been such a success I need to do a thread. Feel free to add to the 🧵on the great launch of this product pic.twitter.com/cx1bEFp9Yn
— Read Jackson Rising by @CooperationJXN (@JoshuaPHilll) November 10, 2022
Twitter Blue “verification” playing out as expected. This is unsustainable. pic.twitter.com/pjmHqGeErp
— Ahmed Baba (@AhmedBaba_) November 9, 2022
twitter blue verification making fake accounts seem more official… pic.twitter.com/KEuCzTH8Ob
— ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) November 10, 2022
Latest Updates
Twitter needs to become by far the most accurate source of information about the world. That’s our mission.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 7, 2022
The Twitter saga is showing no signs of slowing down. On November 13, 2022, the company reportedly cut over 4,000 contract employees without notice and announced that it would make new changes to the platform in the near future. In regards to the changes being made, Elon Musk tweeted, “Rolling out soon, Twitter will enable organizations to identify which other Twitter accounts are actually associated with them.” Add Trill Mag to your favorites, bookmarks, reading list, and/or home screen to stay updated on Musk’s Twitter takeover!
Graduate student at Liberty University, Master of Arts' in Mass Communication.
