Why We Chose Phone Verification (And Why It's Not Perfect)

Let's be honest: phone verification isn't perfect. Someone with three phones could pulse a topic three times. A determined bad actor with enough resources could still game the system. If we claimed otherwise, we'd be lying to you. But here's the thing—imperfect doesn't mean useless. And in a world overrun by bots and fake engagement, phone verification is the best defense we have.

The Edge Case vs. The Systemic Problem

Yes, someone could buy multiple SIM cards and create multiple accounts. That's an edge case. It requires effort, money, and intent. Compare that to email-based verification, where services openly sell packages: "10,000 verified email accounts for $50." A bot operator can spin up thousands of fake accounts in minutes, for pennies each.

The difference isn't just scale. It's the barrier to entry. Phone verification makes manipulation expensive and traceable. Email verification makes manipulation trivial and anonymous.

"Perfect is the enemy of good. Phone verification isn't perfect, but it's exponentially better than the alternative."

Why We're Transparent About Limitations

Many platforms hide behind claims of perfect security while their systems are riddled with bots. We'd rather be honest: our verification can be circumvented by someone with resources and determination. But the cost and traceability make it exponentially harder than email-based systems where bot armies thrive.

This transparency isn't weakness. It's respect for your intelligence. You deserve to know what our system can and can't do, so you can make informed decisions about participation.

The Closest to Real

Phone verification gives us the closest snapshot of real voices technology currently allows. Not perfect. Not foolproof. But the best balance between accessibility, privacy, and authenticity available today. That's why we chose it, knowing its limitations.