"Controversy Erupts as 'X' Automatically Restores Blue Checks for High-Follower Accounts"

Elon Musk's decision to bring back the blue check mark to some Twitter accounts for free has caused backlash, with users feeling embarrassed and stigmatized by the involuntary conferral of the blue ticks. Musk's move to offer free memberships and criticize the verification system has devalued the once prestigious status symbol, turning it into a symbol of willingness to pay for online status. This has led to a backlash from users and a loss of the blue check mark's original purpose in identifying legitimate accounts.