Once a prestigious emblem in the Twitter ecosystem, the blue checkmark next to a user’s name represented authenticity and trustworthiness, marking accounts as verified. However, in recent months, this respected symbol has undergone a shocking change, now viewed as a mark of disdain and derision for those considered disconnected elites, fraudulent figures, or even malicious aggressors.

What led to such a drastic shift in public sentiment towards the blue checkmark? What does this transformation signify for Twitter's future and the dynamic world of social media?

I was eager to uncover the answers.

The Rise and Change of the Blue Check

Twitter introduced the blue checkmark in 2009 to combat impersonation and identity theft. Initially, it was reserved for notable public figures—celebrities, politicians, journalists, and sports teams—signifying the legitimacy of their accounts.

Twitter maintained that verification was not an endorsement of fame but merely a means to confirm identity.

A notable instance of the blue checkmark's influence occurred when Oprah Winfrey joined Twitter in April 2009. Faced with numerous impersonators, Twitter quickly verified her account upon her registration, eliminating confusion and reinforcing her credibility. Her verification led to a surge in followers, surpassing a million in less than a month.

As the demand for social validation grew, Twitter rolled out a verification process in 2016 that allowed any user to apply for the blue tick. Applicants needed to complete an online form, providing personal information and proof of identity. However, the criteria for approval were often ambiguous. Twitter claimed that verification aimed to help users discover high-quality accounts to follow.

Over time, the blue checkmark became more than a verification tool; it evolved into a status symbol. Verified users enjoyed privileges that regular users lacked, such as filtering notifications from other verified accounts, accessing analytics tools, receiving direct messages from anyone, and priority support from Twitter staff.

The blue check became a badge of pride for many users, manifesting in playful references to exclusive perks.

The Dark Side of Verification

However, the verification system soon became a source of controversy. Its inconsistent application left many users confused as accounts that seemingly met the criteria were denied while others were granted verification without justification.

A significant uproar erupted in November 2017 when Jason Kessler, a self-identified “working class white advocate,” received a blue check. Users were bewildered as to how individuals associated with white supremacy were verified while activists and journalists were not, leading to allegations of bias within Twitter’s verification process.

Some verified individuals misused their blue checkmarks as instruments of harassment, leveraging their status to intimidate or belittle dissenters. This behavior amplified messages and spread misinformation, with some even issuing legal threats against critics, all while clinging to their verification.

Many users felt that the blue check stifled free expression and diversity on the platform, fearing the loss of their verification status if they spoke out. Twitter's warnings about revoking verification for non-compliance exacerbated these concerns.

Additionally, users without a blue check felt marginalized, believing their voices would not be heard or respected, thus creating a hierarchy based on verification status.

A report by the University of Amsterdam's New Media & Digital Culture division criticized Twitter's verification program, suggesting it revealed the company's preferences for specific user types. Twitter acknowledged that it underestimated the societal implications of the blue checkmark, which had morphed into a symbol of status and importance.

The Backlash Against the Blue Check

As a result, the blue checkmark's reputation began to diminish. What was once a symbol of credibility became associated with arrogance and entitlement, leading to mockery among users who viewed it as indicative of the platform's corruption.

The backlash intensified following Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter for $44 billion in October 2022. Musk had been openly critical of the blue check system prior to his purchase, advocating for transparency and fairness.

In November 2022, Musk launched Twitter Blue, a subscription service offering a suite of features, with the blue checkmark becoming accessible only to those who paid the $8 monthly fee. He also announced plans to revoke verification from existing accounts that did not subscribe by April 20, 2023.

This decision sparked outrage among many prominent users, who felt Musk was monetizing what should be a public service. Critics argued that the blue checkmark was essential for user safety and credibility, warning that such a financial barrier would silence marginalized voices on the platform.

On April 20, 2023, Twitter began revoking blue checks from accounts that hadn't subscribed, leading to confusion and chaos. Some users embraced the loss as a badge of honor or resistance, while others lamented the impact on their identity or reputation.

For those who paid to retain their blue check, the decision led to ridicule and the need to justify their choice.

In the midst of this turmoil, one figure remained unaffected: Elmo, simply being Elmo.

The Future of the Blue Check

The fate of Twitter's blue checkmark is uncertain, with ongoing debates about its role. Some users embraced Twitter Blue, viewing it as a way to enhance their experience, support the platform, and distinguish themselves amidst the noise.

Conversely, many users rejected Twitter Blue, seeing it as a ploy to undermine the platform's authenticity and diversity.

Additionally, some users have begun exploring alternative social media platforms seeking unique features and values absent from Twitter.

The blue checkmark has transformed from a simple verification tool into a complex symbol of social significance, embodying a wide range of emotions—pride, shame, trust, doubt, inclusion, exclusion, power, and vulnerability—fueling tensions in the social media landscape.

Thus, the evolution of the blue checkmark has captivated individuals and organizations alike in recent years, particularly in the last few days.

Ultimately, the pressing question remains: Will the blue checkmark endure, or will it fade away? Whatever its outcome, what implications will it have for Twitter and its loyal users?

Let’s stay tuned to see how this unfolds.

Oh, and I neither have, nor ever intend to acquire, a blue check. Do you?