Twiva Employees’ Perceptions of The Monetization of X (Twitter) Verification Checkmark and Its Influence on Digital Credibility.

Abstract

This study explores the perceptions of Twiva employees regarding the monetization of the X (Twitter) verification checkmark and its influence on digital credibility. The research addresses the problem of how the shift from free to paid verification affects users' trust in verified accounts and the credibility of information shared on social media. The purpose of the study is to investigate the implications of this monetization on users’ perceptions and interactions within the digital space. The research questions focus on how employees view the credibility of verified accounts, the trustworthiness of information and the influence of monetized verification on user behavior. The study is grounded in Symbolic Interaction Theory (SIT), which emphasizes the meanings derived from social interactions and symbols, such as the verification checkmark. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing purposive sampling to select 12 participants from Twiva who were primarily active X users. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically. Key findings indicate that participants hold divergent perspectives; some see monetization as a pathway to greater accessibility and inclusivity, while the majority of participants express concerns about the potential erosion of trust and authenticity in verified accounts. The study concludes that the commodification of verification could lead to increased skepticism among users, necessitating a re-evaluation of verification processes by social media platforms. Key recommendations include enhancing transparency in the verification process, exploring alternative methods of establishing credibility, and conducting further research on the long-term effects of monetized verification on user trust.