Twitter is at its best when verified accounts can’t tweet (wired.com)

Article summary

The article discusses a recent incident where verified Twitter accounts were compromised, leading to a temporary block on their ability to post. This resulted in a change in the Twitter dynamics, with less noise and partisanship from influential users. The author suggests that this brief period was one of the best times on Twitter, with more civilized conversations and less dominance from verified accounts. The incident highlights the impact of verified accounts on the Twitter ecosystem.

Main themes

• Twitter dynamics
• verified accounts
• partisanship and noise
• algorithmic influence
• social media and well-being
• astroturfing and advertisements
• media landscape and personalities
• influencer culture and bias

What commenters say

• Twitter's algorithm and verified accounts can create an environment that fosters partisanship and noise, making it difficult for users to have meaningful conversations.
• Some users find that not following verified accounts or using alternative Twitter clients can help reduce the noise and improve their experience.
• The influence of verified accounts and the algorithm can lead to the spread of divisive or entertainingly obnoxious content, which can be detrimental to users' well-being.
• The compromise of verified accounts revealed that Twitter can be a more pleasant platform without the dominance of influential users.
• Users are looking for ways to combat astroturfing and advertisements on social media, with some suggesting the use of ad blockers or alternative platforms.
• The dynamics of Twitter can be seen as a reflection of the broader media landscape, where personalities and influencers often engage in divisive arguments to gain visibility.
• Some users feel that even accounts they agree with can be problematic, as they may have more in common with those they criticize than with their audience.
• The incident highlights the need for users to be aware of the potential biases and influences of social media platforms and to take steps to mitigate their impact.