Bluesky has added over 1 million new users post-US election, now totaling over 15 million, as disaffected users leave X due to dissatisfaction with its direction under Elon Musk. Media outlets are also distancing themselves from X due to its troubling content.
In the wake of the recent United States presidential election, the emerging micro-blogging platform Bluesky has experienced a surge in user registrations, gaining over one million new accounts and bringing its total to more than 15 million. This increase follows a notable departure of users dissatisfied with the trajectory of X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, particularly under the management of Elon Musk. Many former X users have voiced concerns regarding the controversial content proliferating on the platform, which they attribute to Musk’s leadership and political affiliations.
Bluesky was launched in 2019 by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey and is seen as a preferable alternative for users who feel alienated by X’s shift towards more contentious content. The recent migration of users appears to be in direct response to controversial decisions made by Musk, particularly his ties to conservative politics and the increase of hostile discourse on X. The exodus is further emphasized by significant media actions, such as The Guardian’s announcement to cease posting on X due to the prevalence of what it describes as ‘disturbing content.’
The data revealing an influx of users to Bluesky indicates a significant shift in user sentiment regarding social media platforms, emphasis on their influence on political discourse, and the management strategies of these platforms. The alarming rise in users abandoning X highlights the changing dynamics in social media as individuals seek forums that align with their values and expectations for respectful dialogue.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
