In the week following the US election, Bluesky gained over 700,000 new users, bringing its total to 14.5 million. Users are fleeing X to escape misinformation and offensive content. Experts indicate Bluesky provides an appealing alternative with effective community management features.
Bluesky has experienced a significant growth of over 700,000 new users within a week following the US election, as many individuals choose to leave X, previously known as Twitter, due to concerns regarding misinformation and offensive content. The platform’s total user base now stands at approximately 14.5 million, a notable increase from 9 million in September. Users are attracted to Bluesky for its effective features aimed at addressing problematic accounts and promoting healthier online discussion. Social media researcher Axel Bruns commented on the platform’s appeal, suggesting it serves as a sanctuary for those seeking the kind of social media engagement that was once characteristic of Twitter but is now devoid of far-right activism, misinformation, and hate speech. “It’s become a refuge for people who want to have the kind of social media experience that Twitter used to provide,” he explained, reflecting the sentiments of many users migrating to Bluesky. Originally conceived as a project under Twitter, Bluesky evolved into an independent entity in 2022 and is predominantly owned by its CEO Jay Graber. The rise in Bluesky’s user counts has coincided with broader dissatisfaction towards X and its ownership changes, particularly with Elon Musk’s connections to the recent presidential campaigns. Bluesky previously witnessed a surge of users when X was suspended in Brazil and again following changes to its user engagement policies. As users continue to shift platforms, individuals like Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a New York University professor with a significant following, have found success on Bluesky, gaining 21,000 followers on the first day after her arrival. Despite its growth, Bluesky currently ranks second behind Threads in Apple’s US App Store for social networking applications, with Threads boasting 275 million monthly active users. However, Bluesky is actively adding features to enhance user experience, drawing comparisons to its competitor while seeking to maintain its uniqueness. This rapid influx of new members has resulted in what Bruns describes as growing pains while users adapt to the new environment. Still, he emphasizes that the revitalized excitement surrounding interactive social media mirrors the innovative landscape of early social networking, indicating Bluesky’s continued vibrancy and active engagement. Prominent figures, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have contributed to Bluesky’s newfound popularity by expressing their satisfaction with the platform. “Good GOD it’s nice to be in a digital space with other real human beings,” she remarked, in a post that resonated broadly across the user base.
Bluesky was initially a project developed within Twitter and became an independent company in 2022. The platform is specifically designed to provide an alternative to traditional social media networks like X, focusing on reducing issues such as misinformation and online harassment. Designed for a more user-friendly experience, Bluesky’s approach to community management appeals to users seeking a safer environment. Its growth reflects dissatisfaction with current social media trends, especially amid recent political events in the United States.
The recent influx of users to Bluesky illustrates a significant shift in social media dynamics post-US election, as individuals seek alternatives to X. With a growing community and continuous improvements to its platform, Bluesky presents itself as a promising new environment for healthy discourse. The platform capitalizes on user discontent with existing social media giants and aims to foster a vibrant community free from the prevalent issues of misinformation and hate speech.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
