Facebook has today started rolling out its new Facebook Verified Accounts and Pseudonyms service, enabling prominent public figures to easily verify their accounts with Facebook, and then have the option to display a preferred nickname instead of their birth name.
The new verification process will be manually approved by Facebook to make sure that users are who they say they are. But unlike the already existing Twitter or Google+ verification systems, Facebook verified accounts will not display any sort of badge or denotation on the account to show its verified.
How the New System Works
As an example of how the new system might be used: Stefani Germanotta, aka Lady Gaga, could use Facebook Verified Accounts to confirm that she is actually the famous Stefani Germanotta. Then choose to display her name as “Stefani Germanotta (Lady Gaga)”, or simply “Lady Gaga” with Stefani Germanotta then appearing within the About page of her profile.
This new feature is particularly beneficial for celebrities, public figures, and other well-known personalities who are often impersonated on social media platforms. By verifying their accounts, these individuals can ensure that their followers are engaging with the authentic profile. This not only helps in maintaining their brand integrity but also provides a more secure environment for their fans.
Benefits and Implications
Facebook users with verified accounts will gain more prominent placement in Facebook’s “People To Subscribe To” suggestions. This increased visibility can significantly boost their follower count and engagement rates. Previously, Facebook users who wanted to use a nickname would have to have hacked the name section and placed it after their name or similar. However, Facebook has a long block list of unacceptable words, and too many unauthorized name switches could result in the name becoming unchangeable by the user.
The introduction of this service also highlights Facebook’s ongoing efforts to enhance user experience and security. By allowing verified accounts to display pseudonyms, Facebook is acknowledging the importance of personal branding in the digital age. This move is likely to attract more public figures to the platform, thereby increasing its user base and engagement levels.
Moreover, this service can be particularly useful for individuals who are known by different names in different contexts. For instance, a professional athlete might be known by a nickname on the field but prefer to use their real name in other settings. This flexibility allows users to present themselves in a way that best suits their personal and professional needs.
However, it’s worth noting that the lack of a visible verification badge might lead to some confusion among users. Unlike Twitter or Google+, where a blue checkmark signifies a verified account, Facebook’s approach relies on the authenticity of the name displayed. This could make it harder for users to distinguish between verified and non-verified accounts at a glance.
In conclusion, Facebook’s new Verified Accounts and Pseudonyms service is a significant step forward in enhancing user experience and security on the platform. By allowing public figures to verify their accounts and display preferred nicknames, Facebook is catering to the needs of its diverse user base. While the absence of a visible verification badge might pose some challenges, the overall benefits of this service are likely to outweigh the drawbacks.
Source: Tech Crunch
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