Twitter Inc.’s “For You” feed, the default view for users of the social network, will no longer recommend content from accounts that aren’t verified, owner Elon Musk tweeted on Monday. This change, set to take effect on April 15, will make only verified accounts — those paying an $8 monthly fee or associated with a verified organization — eligible to have their tweets suggested in the timeline that appears when most users open the app.
Voting in Twitter Polls Requires Verification
Along with the changes to the ‘For You’ feed, Musk announced that voting in Twitter polls will now require account verification. This is part of Musk’s strategy to address advanced AI bot swarms taking over the platform, though he didn’t provide evidence of such groups operating on Twitter.
Starting April 15th, only verified accounts will be eligible to be in For You recommendations.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 27, 2023
The is the only realistic way to address advanced AI bot swarms taking over. It is otherwise a hopeless losing battle.
Voting in polls will require verification for same reason.
Unverified Users Stripped of Legacy Verification Marks
Starting April 1, Twitter will begin removing legacy verification marks, taking away the blue check marks from users not paying the fee and unaffiliated with large organizations. This move could significantly impact independent journalists and other peripheral voices, potentially contradicting Musk’s goal of ensuring free speech on the platform.
Celebrity VIP List Further Differentiates Users
According to a report by Platformer, Twitter also has a celebrity VIP list that boosts the visibility of well-known figures like LeBron James, US President Joe Biden, and Musk himself. This contradicts Musk’s recent statement that “there shouldn’t be a different standard for celebrities,” raising concerns about Twitter’s commitment to a level playing field for users.
It’s more about treating everyone equally. There shouldn’t be a different standard for celebrities imo. https://t.co/rWi99sGPdq
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 27, 2023
The Future of Twitter’s Two-Tier System
As Twitter continues to modify its platform to address issues like AI bot swarms and user engagement, the latest changes to its ‘For You’ feed and verification system further highlight the growing divide between verified and unverified users. While the company aims to protect its platform from malicious activity, these updates may inadvertently silence essential voices in the process, raising questions about the future of free speech on Twitter.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Twitter’s latest changes to its ‘For You’ feed and verification system represent a bold attempt to combat AI bot swarms and improve user engagement. However, these measures also risk creating a two-tier system that could inadvertently silence independent voices and raise concerns about the platform’s commitment to free speech. As social media continues to evolve, it is crucial for companies like Twitter to strike a balance between safeguarding their platforms from malicious activity and preserving a level playing field for all users.
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Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs:
1. What changes has Twitter made to its 'For You' feed and verification system?
Twitter has announced that starting April 15, its 'For You' feed will no longer recommend content from unverified accounts. Additionally, beginning April 1, legacy verification marks will be removed from users who are not paying the monthly fee or affiliated with large organizations.
2. What is the purpose of these changes to Twitter's platform?
The changes aim to combat advanced AI bot swarms and enhance user engagement by ensuring that only verified accounts are promoted in the 'For You' feed and allowed to participate in Twitter polls.
3. How does the new verification system impact independent journalists and peripheral voices?
The removal of legacy verification marks could significantly impact independent journalists and other peripheral voices, potentially limiting their visibility on the platform and contradicting Twitter's goal of ensuring free speech.
4. What is the celebrity VIP list on Twitter, and how does it affect the platform's user experience?
The celebrity VIP list is a reported feature on Twitter that boosts the visibility of well-known figures like LeBron James, US President Joe Biden, and Elon Musk. This contradicts Musk's recent statement that "there shouldn't be a different standard for celebrities," raising concerns about Twitter's commitment to a level playing field for users.
5. How do Twitter's changes to its 'For You' feed and verification system impact the future of free speech on the platform?
The latest updates further highlight the growing divide between verified and unverified users, potentially silencing essential voices and raising questions about the future of free speech on Twitter. As social media continues to evolve, it is crucial for companies like Twitter to balance safeguarding their platforms from malicious activity while preserving a level playing field for all users.
