As social media continues to gain importance in everyday life, corporate giants are now testing the proposition of selling blue checks for a monthly fee. In recent news, Facebook and Instagram have both announced that starting this month, a select group of users will be able to purchase a blue-check mark for $12 a month. The blue check mark, according to both companies, is intended to be a symbol of approval and legitimacy for users, indicating to followers and potential customers that a user is indeed an authentic and reliable source.
This unusual new service comes on the heels of recent criticism levied at both companies in regards to the proliferation of fake accounts, and the inability of their respective algorithms to successfully distinguish between real, legitimate users and bots or other forms of untrustworthy accounts. And, although the notion of buying approval has been met with criticism in some respects, companies believe it could act as a way to combat the issues posed by fake accounts.
So, what’s the catch? How will users know whether or not they are purchasing a legitimate account and is it even worth it? Unfortunately, at this time, the answer is unclear. Both companies have stated that the approval process for the blue checks will involve an intensive review of a user’s profile and account, including past interactions and posts, and a close evaluation of the account’s authenticity and legitimacy. Furthermore, purchasing the blue check does not guarantee approval, and companies reserve the right to revoke the approval should a user post inappropriate content or spout fraudulent information.
As of now, the details surrounding the blue-check venture are still a bit hazy and the full implications of its implementation are uncertain. While offering users the chance to purchase approval does come with several serious ethical implications, it could also work as a tool to combat the growing issues linked to the promotion of untruths and less than reputable accounts on social media. While only time will tell if this service actually proves fruitful, its implementation could come with both consequences and rewards, should it be successful.