The blue checkmark on social media is an elusive club, but it is something that says that this person is who they say they are.
Social Media is a toxic place and one that can take your spirit. People hide behind their computers and say some really messed up stuff. To be very blunt, there aren’t many days where Twitter doesn’t make me cry. I have to lock accounts because of the stuff people say.
And it is hard.
With all of the trolling and downright reprehensible stuff that has been going on across social media, people need to have some boundaries. I understand freedom of speech, but I also understand bullying. We’re in a space in our history where we are dealing with mental illness on a scale never before seen, due to the pandemic. Words hurt and people need to be held accountable.
Actor Idris Elba is calling for social media to have a verification system so we know who is speaking.
“People in the public eye get verified on social media, (symbolised by a blue tick), the process of verification requires them to prove their IDENTITY, so everyone knows WHO is speaking,” he wrote on his Instagram post. “SOCIAL MEDIA COMPANIES SHOULD MAKE THIS MANDATORY FOR ALL USERS.”
“Currently, social media is like boarding a plane and not having to show I.D.
THAT would never happen,” Idris continued.
“If cowards are being supported by a veil of privacy and secrecy, then social media is not a safe space. It is an aeroplane that allows travellers to wear balaclavas. If cowards want to spout racial rhetoric then say it with your name, not your username.”
“Repost if you agree. Say less if you don’t.” he captioned the post. We’re here clapping and applauding this.
We agree with Idris. The stuff that is being said on social media is disgusting half the time and quite frankly traumatizing most of the time.
Do you agree? Should people have to prove who they are online?
