Social media verification has become a purchasable feature, diminishing a crucial signal audiences once trusted to identify reliable voices. This topic was discussed on December 8 at the Bridge Summit in Abu Dhabi, where industry leaders highlighted that credibility is increasingly seen as a commodity rather than something earned.
Maha Abouelenein, CEO and Founder of Digital and Savvy, pointed out that a blue checkmark no longer guarantees trustworthiness. She noted that verification has transitioned from confirming expertise to symbolizing status through a subscription.
“Trust is built through consistency, reputation, and fulfilling promises,” she remarked. “A checkmark won’t secure trust. People trust people, not symbols. If you leave here without considering your personal brand and how you’re building trust, you’re missing the point.”
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Abouelenein mentioned that she achieved her verification through published works and industry acknowledgment, not by purchasing it. Now, with platforms offering this feature for sale, she urges users to question the motives behind it. “Are you paying for easier access to business contacts, or to create a false impression of who you are?” she challenged the audience.
The Bridge Summit 2025, a three-day global event at Abu Dhabi’s ADNEC Centre, gathers creators, media leaders, tech experts, policymakers, and investors to explore the future of content, entertainment, and the digital economy.
Damian Reilly, Editor in Chief of Arabian Business, stated that paid verification might protect those targeted by impersonation. However, he also feels the model fosters an uneasy relationship between platforms and users.
“It resembles a protection racket. You pay, and the platform then takes your issues more seriously,” he said, referencing experiences with fake profiles using his identity. Despite this, he found it challenging to get effective responses.
Both speakers concurred that misinformation is a significant threat in a media landscape driven by AI, speed, and scale. However, they also countered the notion that audiences are easily deceived.
“People are more discerning than we assume. Just because someone posts something doesn’t mean millions will accept it,” Reilly noted.
Panelists emphasized that the future of trust will depend on transparency, accountability, and the human credibility behind content, not on account symbols.
As personal brands increasingly compete with established media organizations for public trust, Abouelenein stressed that individuals can no longer depend on employers or institutions for their reputation. “Your job title won’t build your reputation,” she asserted. “You must cultivate it yourself.”
