Following the US elections, Bluesky has gained 700,000 new users within a week, increasing its membership from 9 million to 14.5 million. The growth is attributed to users migrating from X due to dissatisfaction with misinformation and ownership under Elon Musk. Bluesky aims to provide a decentralized and community-focused social media experience, reminiscent yet distinct from traditional platforms like Twitter.
The social media platform Bluesky has recently experienced a marked increase in membership, gaining approximately 700,000 new users in the week following the US elections. This surge escalated its total membership from 9 million in September to 14.5 million by 12 November 2024, as many users, particularly from the United States and the United Kingdom, migrated from X, formerly known as Twitter. This trend has been attributed to various factors, including dissatisfaction with X’s handling of misinformation and offensive content, as well as user reactions to its owner Elon Musk’s political affiliations. Emily Liu, a spokesperson for Bluesky, expressed enthusiasm for the influx of new members, stating, “We’re excited to welcome all of these new people, ranging from Swifties to wrestlers to city planners.” Notably, prominent figures, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also indicated their preference for Bluesky over X, highlighting a desire for a more positive digital space. This exodus from X is not a new phenomenon; previous events, such as the UK riots in August, also saw increased activity for Bluesky as users sought alternatives to Musk’s controversial platform. Bluesky was founded in 2019 by Jack Dorsey, the former CEO of Twitter, and became an independent entity in 2021. The platform emphasizes a decentralized approach to social media, allowing different communities and platforms to interact more freely. While Bluesky appears similar to its competitors, it offers features like direct messaging, enhancing its usability and appeal. Currently, it ranks second on the US Apple App Store, following Threads, a social media app from Meta.
The migration to Bluesky from X follows the US elections of November 2024, which has driven users dissatisfied with X’s content management and ownership under Elon Musk. Musk’s political endorsements have ignited further debate and controversy within the platform, compelling users to seek alternatives for more constructive social media experiences. Bluesky, having originally been conceived under Twitter’s ecosystem, presents a decentralized model intended to foster a more community-driven social experience.
In summary, Bluesky’s recent surge in user registrations reflects a significant shift among social media participants, particularly following the US elections and growing discontent with X. With an appeal rooted in a more decentralized and user-friendly approach, Bluesky has positioned itself as an attractive alternative for individuals seeking a vibrant and engaging online community.
Original Source: news.sky.com
