Mega Changes in the Metaverse

In October 2021, Facebook announced a major rebranding, changing its name to "Meta." This move was accompanied by a new emphasis on the ‘Metaverse’, an immersive virtual environment that would allow users to interact with each other and digital objects in a 3D space. As of a couple days ago, Meta also introduced a new subscription program known as "Meta Verification" for their Facebook and Instagram platforms, allowing users to now pay for that ever-so-exclusive blue verification badge. While it may be a little early to tell whether or not this is a beneficial shift, let’s dig a little deeper and weigh the pros and cons based on what we know. 

Pro: Trust and Safety

With verified accounts, it's easier to connect with real people and avoid scammers and fake accounts. Plus, with fewer bad actors on the platform, you can feel more comfortable sharing your personal information and engaging with others.

Pro (and potential Con): Influencer Marketing 

Meta Verification could also revolutionize the world of influencer marketing. With verified accounts, influencers have an extra level of credibility, making it easier to attract sponsors and land those sweet deals. However, this could also make it harder for new influencers to break into the industry, so it's a bit of a double-edged sword.

Con: Access and Affordability

Meta Verification is a subscription service, which means that users will need to pay a fee to participate. This could create a barrier to entry for some users, particularly those in developing countries or with limited financial resources. This could lead to a two-tiered system of users, with verified accounts being predominantly held by those who can afford to pay for the service.

Con:  Privacy and Security Concerns 

The Meta Verification process requires users to provide sensitive personal information, such as a copy of their passport or driver's license. This information could be subject to hacking or other security breaches, potentially exposing users' personal information. Additionally, some users may be uncomfortable providing this information to a social media company, particularly given past privacy scandals involving Facebook.

Con: Verification Bias

There is a risk that the Meta Verification process could be biased against certain groups of people, particularly those who do not have access to government-issued identification. This could include people who are homeless, refugees, or undocumented immigrants, among others. Without a way to verify their identities, these users could be excluded from the benefits of the verification system.

Overall, though, we're excited to see how Meta Verification shakes up the social media landscape. Will it be the ultimate solution to fake news and sketchy accounts? Or will it create more problems than it solves? Only time will tell, but we're prettyEAGER to find out!