Bluesky has gained over 700,000 users in the wake of the US election, totaling 14.5 million worldwide as disenchanted users leave X due to concerns over misinformation and toxicity. With features to foster a more respectful dialogue, Bluesky emerges as a promising alternative amidst waning interest in X, especially post-rebranding under Elon Musk.
In the aftermath of the recent US election, the social media platform Bluesky experienced an extraordinary surge, attracting over 700,000 new users within a single week. As individuals migrate from X—formerly known as Twitter—seeking to evade misinformation and hostile content, Bluesky now boasts a global user base of 14.5 million, significantly up from 9 million just three months earlier. Social media expert Axel Bruns emphasized that Bluesky presents a viable alternative, offering a more efficient mechanism for moderating harmful behaviors while fostering a healthier online environment. Bluesky emerged from a project within Twitter but achieved independence in 2022, with chief executive Jay Graber at the helm. Dissatisfaction with X’s management has fueled Bluesky’s growth, particularly after the platform underwent significant changes post-rebranding and the tumultuous impact of its new ownership under Elon Musk. This situation has led to a sharp decline in X’s user engagement. The platform received a notable boost following controversial decisions made by X, including a user suspension incident in Brazil and the announcement of users viewing blocked accounts’ posts. Notable public figures, such as professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat, reported considerable gains in followers on Bluesky. She expresses concern regarding X’s potential direction under its new influencers, stating, “I am still on X but after January, when X could be owned by a de facto member of the Trump administration, its functions as a Trump propaganda outlet and far-right radicalization machine could be accelerated.” Despite its rapid expansion, Bluesky remains second to Threads in the United States App Store rankings, which recently noted 275 million monthly active users. Recent enhancements, including direct messaging and video functionalities, aim to mirror the offerings of X while distinguishing Bluesky from its Meta-owned competitor. Social media researcher Bruns notes that the influx of users has brought both excitement and challenges as newbies acclimate to the platform. He remarks, “It really feels like a throwback to those days of the early excitement about social media… it makes it a more vibrant, more active place.” Public representatives such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez welcomed the experience, indicating a renewed sense of community available on the platform, stating, “Good GOD it’s nice to be in a digital space with other real human beings.”
The context surrounding the emergence of Bluesky reflects a larger trend in social media dynamics, particularly in response to dissatisfaction with existing platforms. Following the acquisition of Twitter by Elon Musk and the subsequent rebranding to X, many users began to express frustration with the rising prevalence of misinformation, hate speech, and far-right rhetoric. Bluesky’s inception aimed to address these issues by cultivating a user-friendly atmosphere conducive to thoughtful discourse. Its recent user influx indicates a significant shift in digital social networking preferences, highlighting an ongoing quest for healthier, more engaging online communities.
In summary, Bluesky’s rise following the US election represents a significant trend among social media users seeking refuge from the divisive atmosphere of X. With recent enhancements and a commitment to providing a civil online environment, the platform is carving out a distinctive niche in the social media landscape. The substantial increase in users showcases a burgeoning community enthusiastic for informed discussions and diverse viewpoints, indicating a shift towards platforms that prioritize user experience and moderation.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
