Do You Know The Dark Side of Buying Tick Marks on Instagram?

Social media platforms have revolutionized how people connect and share content worldwide, and Instagram is no exception. With its increasing popularity, many users aspire to gain credibility and recognition on the platform. 

Source: GizNext

One perceived method to achieve this is by acquiring verification, commonly represented by the coveted blue tick mark next to a user's handle. 

In recent times, rumours have circulated about the possibility of purchasing Instagram verification for a mere 699 rupees, raising questions about the authenticity, ethical implications, and potential risks involved in such practices.

The Temptation of Verification

Instagram verification, represented by the blue tick mark, symbolises authenticity and credibility for high-profile individuals, celebrities, brands, and influencers. 

It indicates that the account belongs to a legitimate public figure or reputable organisation, distinguishing it from countless impersonator accounts that often plague the platform.

 The verification process is typically reserved for accounts with a significant following and genuine public interest, making it an exclusive feature.

The Rise of Illicit Offers

With the growing demand for verification, the dark side of social media has led to the emergence of illicit services claiming to offer Instagram verification in exchange for a nominal fee, such as 699 rupees.

The Legitimacy Question

The legitimacy of such offers raises scepticism and prompts a series of questions. Can one genuinely buy a blue tick mark on Instagram for such a low price? Is it possible to bypass the rigorous verification process employed by the platform to ensure authenticity and prevent abuse?

The Scams and Risks

Investigations into these illicit services have revealed that most, if not all, of them are scams. In reality, Instagram's official verification process is not available for purchase.

The platform employs a stringent and confidential evaluation system, which includes factors such as account completeness, public interest, media presence, and adherence to community guidelines. 

Attempting to buy verification from third-party sources can lead to severe consequences, such as account suspension, loss of credibility, and potential legal repercussions.

The Ethical Dilemma

The practice of purchasing verification raises significant ethical concerns. It undermines the credibility and integrity of Instagram's verification process, rendering it meaningless if it can be bought rather than earned through merit and genuine influence.

 Furthermore, it perpetuates a culture of instant gratification and shortcuts, rather than encouraging authentic content creation and community building.

The Impact on Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing, a prevalent strategy on Instagram, relies heavily on the perceived credibility of influencers and their ability to reach and engage with target audiences genuinely. 

Source: Brand Watch

The proliferation of purchased verification could erode trust between influencers, brands, and followers, potentially leading to a decline in the effectiveness of influencer marketing campaigns.

Instagram's Response

As the issue gained attention, Instagram responded by actively working to curb the spread of fake verification services. The platform reinforced its verification process and introduced measures to identify and remove fraudulent accounts.

Instagram also launched awareness campaigns to educate users about the risks of engaging with such services and the importance of building a genuine and trustworthy online presence.

Inference

The allure of Instagram verification and the possibility of buying it for a nominal fee has captured the attention of many users seeking recognition and credibility on the platform. 

However, the truth behind Instagram's buying of tick marks in 699 rupees reveals that these offers are nothing more than scams, preying on users' desires for instant validation. The consequences of engaging with such services can be severe, from losing credibility to facing potential legal repercussions.

Instagram's verification process is in place to identify notable public figures and entities of public interest, assuring users that they are interacting with genuine accounts. Trying to bypass this process through questionable service providers not only poses risks to account security but also undermines the credibility of verified accounts.

To thrive on Instagram and other social media platforms, users should prioritize building authentic connections, producing valuable content, and adhering to ethical growth strategies. Verification should be viewed as a validation of the authenticity and credibility already established, rather than an end goal to be achieved at any cost.

In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, genuine engagement and content quality will continue to be the foundation for success, creating a meaningful and lasting impact on the platform and its users.

Written By: Junmoni Chetia