Better well stolen than badly invented?

In succession of Twitter, Meta introduces the option to buy a blue checkmark. Soon, it will be possible for every user to subscribe to Meta Verified, for €11,99 each month. Subscribing to Meta Verified will give you, amongst other things, the option to buy a blue checkmark. More expensive than the subscription to Twitter Blue, which is around €8 each month.

Why did Meta choose to introduce a monthly subscription? Has it been a clever choice of Mark Zuckerberg to follow Elon Musk? Opinions differ. Previously, only well-known companies and celebrities had blue checkmarks. Or creators who worked really hard to be finally rewarded by receiving one. Does the blue checkmark still have value if all users are able to buy one? Or does the feature lose its power and reliability? Meta claims to help creators by introducing Meta Verified. For instance, an account will be more featured which might result in a broader reach. However, others believe that social media should be a place where everyone gets equal opportunities, not just people who have money to spend.

In the Netherlands it is not possible to subscribe to Meta Verified yet. But when, would it indeed help the creators? Or is it only a new way for Meta and Twitter to make even more money? Since not only celebrities, companies or brands will be able to receive a blue checkmark, one thing is for sure: The viewpoint on the blue checkmark will change significantly.