Following the U.S. elections, Bluesky gained over 700,000 users, reaching 14.5 million worldwide. Users are moving away from X due to its rise in misinformation and offensive content. Bluesky offers effective moderation and a welcoming environment, attracting individuals seeking a more positive social media experience.
In the wake of the recent U.S. elections, Bluesky has attracted over 700,000 new users, as individuals leave X (formerly Twitter) due to a surge of misinformation and offensive content. The platform’s user base has now reached 14.5 million globally, indicating significant growth from 9 million in September. Axel Bruns, a social media researcher, emphasized Bluesky’s effectiveness in managing harmful behavior compared to X, defining it as a sanctuary for those wishing for a social media environment devoid of far-right activism, misinformation, and harassment. Bluesky, initially conceived within Twitter, became an independent entity in 2022, primarily under the ownership of CEO Jay Graber. The discontent with Elon Musk’s ownership of X and his association with Donald Trump’s election campaign has prompted many users to seek alternatives. Following the rebranding of Twitter to X, the platform’s user count plummeted, emphasizing the shift toward Bluesky. The influx of users to Bluesky has accelerated since X’s recent controversies, including the suspension in Brazil and its decision to allow blocked users to view posts. Emily Liu, a spokesperson for Bluesky, expressed enthusiasm about the new users, referring to a diverse community joining the platform. Notably, historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat gathered 21,000 followers within a single day on Bluesky after having 250,000 on X. Despite Bluesky’s growing popularity, it remains behind Threads on the Apple US App Store, which recorded 275 million monthly active users as of November. However, Bluesky is actively enhancing its platform with features like direct messaging and video functionalities to compete more directly against not only X but also its Meta-owned rival. Ben-Ghiat highlighted the value of Bluesky’s “starter packs,” promoting informed discussions among users with similar interests. According to Professor Axel Bruns, the recent user surge has accompanied “growing pains” as newcomers adapt to the platform’s navigation. He observed it evokes nostalgia for the early excitement surrounding social media, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. Recently, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez indicated her satisfaction with Bluesky, expressing relief at engaging with “other real human beings” in a digital space.
The landscape of social media is undergoing a transformation as users seek alternatives to platforms perceived as fostering harmful content. Following the U.S. elections, the dissatisfaction with X has propelled individuals toward Bluesky, a platform designed to offer a more positive user environment. By implementing effective moderation tools, Bluesky aims to create an online community devoid of misinformation and extremist content, reminiscent of earlier social media experiences.
Bluesky’s significant user growth post-U.S. elections reflects a broader migration away from X, driven by frustrations with its content moderation. As the platform enhances its features and builds a diverse community, it is positioning itself as a viable alternative to traditional social media giants. The ongoing adaptations and increasing user engagement suggest a potential shift in the social media landscape that prioritizes user experience over sensationalism.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
