Bluesky, the social networking platform founded by Jack Dorsey and built on the principles of decentralization, has been rapidly gaining ground among disillusioned users from other platforms, especially Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter. Since the recent U.S. presidential elections, Bluesky has added approximately 8.7 million new users, catapulting its total user base to over 22 million. This significant growth highlights the appetite for alternatives to traditional social media models, particularly after the controversial changes to X's policies and algorithms.
Following Musk's takeover of Twitter, many users began seeking alternatives due to worries over misinformation and the platform's overall environment. Incorporation of new policies allowing the training of AI on user data, coupled with concerns surrounding hate speech, led to waves of departures from X. Bluesky's user-friendly features and focus on moderation have created a much-needed refuge for those affected by changes on the other platforms. Its structure encourages users to curate their experiences and connect freely without the pressure of algorithms dictifying their feeds.
What sets Bluesky apart is its open approach to functionality. Bluesky allows users to create multiple custom feeds based on their interests, which is more democratic compared to the one-size-fits-all algorithmic approach used by X. Users can easily mute unwanted content and avoid engaging with discussions they aren’t interested in, promoting healthier online conversations. The app has garnered popularity partly due to its familiar interface for users transitioning from X, maintaining similar features such as hashtags, @ mentions, and post replies.
Yet, with growth often come challenges. Bluesky's team, currently made up of only 20 individuals, is facing what its COO, Rose Wang, describes as "firefighting mode" due to the sudden influx of users. The platform recognizes the need for increased capabilities to manage content moderation effectively. Instances of harmful content have surged alongside user numbers, prompting Bluesky to increase its moderation team fourfold to handle the challenges of providing safe and respectful engagement.
The verification process on Bluesky also reflects its innovative mindset. Unlike X, which adopted a monetization strategy for verification, Bluesky is exploring various verification methods to serve its community. CEO Jay Graber has indicated the possibility of multiple verification providers operating alongside Bluesky itself.
This could lead to organizations, communities, and even individual networks having the ability to verify accounts based on distinct criteria, promoting trust and credibility without centralizing contro
l over the process. Imagine universities being able to confirm alumni or fan groups verifying their community members. This diverse approach is expected to alleviate some of the confusion users face on platforms where verification often carries mixed messages and by limiting the monopoly on verification to one entity.
Despite this progress, the question now is how Bluesky will handle present and future moderation challenges as it continues its surge. Cases of child sexual abuse material have been reported, signaling the need for rigorous safeguards. With plans to bolster its moderation capabilities, Bluesky aims to tackle these issues proactively to maintain its community's integrity.
Competing platforms like Meta's Threads are also stepping up their game due to Bluesky's ascendance. Mark Zuckerberg recently announced new updates to Threads, allowing users to select default feeds and providing greater visibility to the accounts users follow, reflecting the growing competition for user engagement. Following Bluesky's explosive growth, Threads has sought to offer similar functionalities to entice users back.
What’s particularly interesting is how Bluesky emerged from Twitter's legacy and is attempting to redefine how social media functions. The decentralized model it adopts means users can take their data and accounts elsewhere if they choose, which is not something traditional platforms like X or Threads offer. This “billionaire-proof” aspect could alleviate some concerns about how user information is utilized by corporate entities compared to conventional monetizing strategies seen on other platforms.
Yet, Bluesky's ambitious plans face scrutiny as it gears for the future. Its recent infusion of funds, amounting to $15 million, led by Blockchain Capital, indicates strong investor confidence, but also highlights the potential volatility associated with reliance on crypto-centric investments. How Bluesky will choose to monetize its platform, if it does, remains to be seen. Wang has indicated there might be room to explore sponsored content or payments between users without compromising the user-friendly experience currently celebrated.
Looking forward, the growth of Bluesky suggests the possibility of changing online social dynamics. With many users still skeptical of social media's consolidation of power, the appeal of platforms like Bluesky lies not only in its features but also its philosophical approach to user autonomy and community-building. The road ahead may not be without hurdles, but Bluesky's foundation appears sturdy, allowing it to potentially reshape the future of social media.