Should I get "Meta Verified"

[Sherlock77]

I know what many of you think of Facebook I really only use it sparingly

I rather suddenly have a message on my account asking me if I want to be Meta Verified? Just a few minutes ago actually...

I'm tech shy at the best of times, haven't fully looked into it at this point, knowing Meta/Facebook I'm slightly suspicious actually

 

[Sherlock77]

Digging deeper, it's a rather costly option, $15/month, and that might be American dollars (me being Canadian), not sure it's worth that much to me

 

[Sherlock77]

https://techcrunch.com/2023/02/22/m...hange-name-username-or-profile-photo-for-now/
Of note (from that article) - In addition to that, the user will need to have minimum activity requirements such as posting in the recent past - I don't like a gun being pointed to my head

 

[Judge]

And I have a bridge in Brooklyn I'd like to sell you....

 

[Sherlock77]

I know there are people who would hit the button without even thinking about it... I'm not one of those people

 

[Misery]

From Bing:

Meta Verified is a subscription bundle for creators on Instagram and Facebook. It includes account verification (including the blue check badge), account impersonation protection, exclusive stickers, expanded reach, and access to human support agents1. The subscription costs $14.99/month when you sign up on iOS and Android, or $11.99/month when you sign up through the web1. For now, Meta Verified is only available to individuals, not brands1. If you are a celebrity, public figure, or well-known brand, you can request a verification badge on Instagram or Facebook1. If you are an individual, you can apply for Meta Verified once it’s available in your area1.

Please note that this information is accurate as of 2023 and may be subject to change. For more details, you can refer to the official Facebook Help Center page on Meta Verified

This absolutely does not look like it's even close to being worth a monthly subscription.

Stuff like account verification and protection, two-factor authentication, I've seen freaking Yahoo do that just by default. Not exactly a new feature either.

It also says it gives you things like analytics and monetization features, which are only useful to content creators... and are something that YouTube offers just, you know, by being YouTube.

I know there are people who would hit the button without even thinking about it

Probably what they're counting on.

Facebook/Meta or whatever they're calling themselves now, they seem to have developed a particular following among the older crowd, from what I've heard. AKA, less tech savvy, more likely to believe that a particular feature is somehow "important" if told as much.


Never, ever trust any of these companies. Always do the research first. But it sounds like you dont need to be told that.

 

[Au Naturel]

Verified as what?

 

[Yeshuasdaughter]

No.

The whole Meta endeavour by facebook has proven to be a waste of their resources.

Most people have continued using facebook in the same way they always have. Posting pictures so the relatives and old friends can keep in touch. Maybe playing Words With Friends.

But that's all people use facebook for.

Don't bother with anything "meta". No one else is either. Just ignore the message. Everyone else got it too, and most folks have just ignored it.

 

[Mary Terry]

Didn't the platform known as X, formerly known as Twitter, do the same thing? I think the purpose is (1) make more money for the platform, and (2) attempt to verify that posters are real people and not foreign or domestic bots.

 

[Forest Cat]

15 dollars a month for that? Personally I would say no. But I'm against all those things, facebook, twitter, instagram, all of it.

 

[Judge]

BBC's explanation:

For nearly two decades Facebook has been free. It's relied on advertising revenue, which makes up the vast majority of the company's revenue.

As advertising revenue continues to decline, Meta is looking for different revenue streams.

Other Silicon Valley social networks Snap, Telegram and Twitter have also launched paid verification as a way to generate revenue outside of advertising.

A paid verification service marks a step away from the well-known quote about Facebook: "If the product is free, then you are the product".

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-64996934
But then subtracting the exposure of public figures or agencies, what percentage of the public truly requires such validation? Especially if they aren't doing any formal acts of commerce? Very few, I'd think. I'd hate to think Meta is trying to sell a metaphorical "badge of honor" that means very little to most users.