In recent news, Elon Musk, the CEO of Twitter, announced a change to the platform’s recommendations feed. Musk revealed that non-verified users’ tweets would be visible on the offers dinner, after facing criticism for his initial announcement that the “For You” timeline would only be available to verified users subscribed to Twitter Blue. The changes will take effect on April 15, 2023.
Musk stated that these changes were necessary to address the increasing problem of advanced AI bot swarms taking over the platform. This issue has become a growing concern for Twitter, as bots can spread misinformation and propaganda, manipulate public opinion, and undermine the platform’s credibility.
The changes will be implemented as the company phases out its old verification system on April 1, 2023. The company will remove “legacy” verified blue checks from users who aren’t paying for them. To keep their blue verified bills, users must subscribe to Twitter Blue, the platform’s $8 per month subscription service.
The initial announcement regarding the “For You” timeline caused backlash from Twitter users, as it seemed to prioritize verified accounts over non-verified accounts. The platform received criticism for creating a two-tier system that excluded non-verified users from accessing certain features.
Musk’s decision to make changes to the recommendations feed was seen as an attempt to address these concerns and provide equal access to features for all users. However, the decision to charge users for verification has also received criticism, as it is seen as a way to monetize a part that was previously free.
It remains to be seen how these changes will affect the platform and its users. While the move to include non-verified accounts on the recommendations feed is a step towards inclusivity, the decision to charge for verification may alienate some users. Additionally, it is unclear how effective these changes will be in addressing the problem of AI bot swarms.
Overall, Twitter’s decision to make changes to its platform highlights the challenges of maintaining a safe and inclusive online community. It will be interesting to see how the platform evolves in the coming months and how users respond to these changes.
The issue of bots and trolls has been a persistent problem for social media platforms for several years. In recent years, the problem has escalated, and platforms like Twitter have faced significant challenges in identifying and eliminating these accounts. As a result, social media companies have had to invest heavily in advanced AI technologies to detect and remove these accounts quickly.
Twitter has been at the forefront of these efforts, and the company has made significant strides in improving its detection and removal systems. However, the problem persists, and Twitter has been forced to take drastic measures to address it.
Musk’s decision to include non-verified accounts on the recommendations feed is a significant step towards promoting inclusivity on the platform. It will give non-verified accounts greater visibility, and it could encourage more users to engage with the platform. This could also help in reducing the influence of bots and trolls, as genuine accounts will have greater visibility, and their voices will be heard.
However, the decision to charge for verification has been met with skepticism. Some users have criticized the move, stating that verification should be free and accessible to all users. Additionally, some users have pointed out that the move could be seen as a way for Twitter to generate additional revenue, and it could discourage some users from using the platform.
Twitter’s decision to make changes to its platform underscores the challenges of maintaining a safe and inclusive online community. Social media companies face significant pressure to balance the need for inclusivity with the need for safety and security. It will be interesting to see how Twitter and other social media platforms navigate these challenges in the coming years.
In conclusion, Musk’s decision to include non-verified accounts on the recommendations feed is a positive step towards promoting inclusivity on the platform. However, the decision to charge for verification has been met with criticism, and it remains to be seen how effective these changes will be in addressing the problem of AI bot swarms. Ultimately, social media companies will need to continue investing in advanced AI technologies to detect and remove bots and trolls effectively while promoting a safe and inclusive online community for all users.
