Recently, platform X tested a new feature to display 'certified follower count' (the number of followers for blue V certified accounts) in the fan list, leading to a surge of interaction posts among blue V accounts today.

Currently, there are mainly two viewpoints on this matter:

1. Can enhance account weight

2. It can cause information cocoons and severe homogenization.

Before we discuss these two situations in detail, let's understand the basic logic of platform content delivery 🤔🤔

The platform's recommendation algorithm usually determines the distribution of content based on the relationship network between users (following and being followed) and behavioral data (likes, comments, shares, etc.).

The followers and followings of an account constitute the core part of its social network; the algorithm will prioritize pushing posts to these directly related users. For instance, when user A follows user B, B's posts are more likely to appear in A's recommended information stream.

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Ok, next, let's look at the aspects of increasing weight, which are the advantages 🙂

**Increase initial exposure 🚀**

The recommendation algorithm of X partly relies on social network relationships, making mutual following accounts more likely to appear in each other's information streams. Certified accounts typically have a high follower base and interaction rates; after mutual following, posts may gain more initial exposure through the other’s fan network.

For example, after one account follows another, its posts may be seen by the other account's fans, increasing the chances of being shared or liked. For small and medium certified accounts, mutual following is a low-cost way to gain traffic, especially in the early stages of the account, enabling rapid influence expansion.

**Enhance account credibility and social capital 🙋‍♂️**

Mutual following with multiple certified accounts can enhance the account's 'certification sense', making ordinary users believe that the account has a certain level of recognition in the industry. The mutual following network may also bring collaboration opportunities (like joint promotions).

Just like a newly certified blockchain project account may be seen as more trustworthy by connecting with top blue V accounts, attracting more attention. In trust-driven areas (especially in the crypto industry), this social capital can enhance user confidence in the account.

**Accelerate information dissemination 🛜**

Mutual following creates a tight social network, allowing content to spread faster within the network. For example, when a blue V posts industry updates, the retweets or comments from other mutual following certified accounts can quickly amplify the impact. In the crypto circle, the blue V mutual following network can rapidly spread new project information or market signals (like 'a certain coin is about to launch'), significantly enhancing information reach efficiency.

**Facilitates industry alliances ⛱️**

Mutual following is not just a following behavior; it may also promote the construction of relationships within the industry. Certified accounts establish connections through mutual following, laying the foundation for future collaborations (like cross-account activities).

For example, after multiple DEFI project certified accounts mutually follow each other, they may jointly host online events to attract both of their fans to participate. This alliance relationship undoubtedly aids in resource sharing and enhances the account's competitiveness in vertical fields.

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Now let's take a look at the information cocoon, which has its drawbacks ☹️

**Exacerbate the information cocoon effect 👻**

Mutual following among certified accounts creates a highly homogeneous social network; the algorithm tends to push content to similar audiences, limiting information dissemination to specific circles. Users repeatedly encounter similar content, making it difficult to access diverse viewpoints.

Specifically, after a cryptocurrency certified account follows back, users may only see posts related to cryptocurrencies and ignore information from other fields (like technology or economics). This could lead to cognitive biases (such as overly optimistic views on a certain coin) or missing broader opportunities.

**Audience overlap reduces ad value 💍**

The fan base in the mutual following network is highly overlapping, and advertisers only need to target a few top blue V accounts to cover most of the target users, thus decreasing the commercial value of small and medium blue V accounts.

A blockchain project might choose to collaborate with certified accounts that have a large number of followers rather than multiple small and medium blue V accounts that follow each other, due to the high fan overlap. Small and medium blue V accounts may fall into a 'traffic trap' due to excessive mutual following, leading to short-term exposure increases but long-term difficulties in gaining differentiated competitiveness.

**Content homogenization and user fatigue 🥱**

Mutual following certified accounts often post similar content (like market analysis, project promotion), leading to a monotonous information flow. Long-term exposure to repetitive content may cause aesthetic fatigue for users, reducing interaction rates.

If certified accounts in the circle often publish similar views around popular coins (like 'BTC will break 100,000'), users may reduce their attention due to a lack of novelty. This content homogenization not only reduces user stickiness but may also lead the algorithm to decrease recommendation weight, affecting the long-term development of the account.

**Potential trust crisis 🤡**

Excessive mutual following may be seen by users as a 'group marketing' behavior, reducing the credibility of certified accounts. Especially in sensitive fields like the crypto circle, mutual networks may be questioned as manipulating public opinion.

If multiple blue V accounts collectively promote a new coin, users may suspect collusion behind the scenes, reducing trust. A crisis of trust can lead to fan loss and even regulatory scrutiny (e.g., accusations of false advertising), causing long-term damage to the account.

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That’s what they say, but in reality, whether blue ☑️ or ordinary users, as long as the group being followed or followed back is overly vertical, it will lead to information cocoons to some extent.

This raises higher demands for brothers who want to operate their accounts seriously. Besides the uncontrollable factor of platform optimization of recommendation algorithms, there is still a lot we can do.

**Improve content quality and uniqueness**

Avoid posting highly homogeneous content (such as repetitive market analyses); instead, focus on differentiated output. For example, combine cross-field topics (like 'the combination of blockchain and healthcare') or provide in-depth analysis (like technical white paper interpretations) to attract a broader audience and gain attention from non-core fields.

**Proactive cross-industry interaction**

For example, by following, commenting, and sharing, one can interact with blue V accounts in technology, finance, or even art (isn't it reminiscent of the 'Daily Competition' 😍). Moreover, participating in popular topics on the platform can also increase exposure outside the circle.

**Regularly optimize audience targeting**

Regularly analyze fan demographics and content data to assess audience diversity. For example, if 80% of the fans come from a single field, adjustments in content strategy (such as posting cross-field topics) can attract new groups.

Writing is not easy; if you pass by, please give a follow to support.

#Crypto