The coveted blue checkmarks that were once a status symbol on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, can now be hidden by users, according to the company. These blue checks, which indicated verified users such as journalists, celebrities, and politicians, were considered a mark of trust and authenticity before Elon Musk’s acquisition of the company. Some critics had derided them as a display of willingness to pay for special treatment.
X, in response to this, now allows subscribers to choose to hide their blue checkmarks on their accounts. The checkmark will be concealed from both the user’s profile and their posts, as stated on an X help page.
The concept of blue ticks initially aimed to verify the identity of certain users, but under Elon Musk’s leadership, access to these checkmarks was extended to those who subscribed to the Blue program for a monthly fee of $8. However, the program was temporarily halted due to issues of misuse and impersonation.
In April, Musk followed through on his promise to remove free blue ticks from users, sparking both praise for creating a more equal platform and criticism for seemingly turning verification into a paid privilege.
The recent news that X Blue subscribers can hide their blue checkmarks has led to mixed reactions, with some expressing concern that the symbol of trust has been diminished, while others see it as a way to avoid the negative connotations associated with it. Despite the option to hide the blue tick, other features available to subscribers might still reveal their subscription status.
Overall, this move reflects the evolving dynamics of social media platforms and the ongoing debates about identity verification and status symbols within these online spaces.
