Bluesky, the rising social media platform formerly associated with Twitter, is currently experiencing significant growth, hitting the magical number of 23 million users. This surge is largely attributed to users migrating from Elon Musk's now controversial X platform, formerly known as Twitter. This migration isn't just based on numbers; it's reflective of broader sentiments among users who are dissatisfied with the current leadership on X, particularly after recent events involving political narratives and the reinstatement of many contentious accounts.
While Bluesky finds itself basking in the glow of quick user growth, the platform is also staring down some hefty challenges, most prominently relating to content moderation. With the arrival of new users, especially following the recent U.S. elections, the influx has been marked by not just high activity levels, but also concerning incidents. Reports have indicated spikes in harmful content, including disturbing cases of child sexual abuse material.
Let’s take a closer look at Bluesky’s current standing, how it reflects past platforms like Twitter, and what it might learn from those lessons.
Recently, reports emerged indicating Bluesky's user base has skyrocketed following dissatisfaction with X under Musk's leadership. This dissatisfaction reached a boiling point after various controversial decisions, including the introduction of new terms of service allowing X to use account posts for artificial intelligence training. These changes drew ire, leading to mass account deactivations; for example, 115,000 users deleted their accounts the day after the U.S. elections alone.
With this backdrop, it seems many users are ditching X for what they hope to be ‘bluer pastures’. This term reflects not just physical migration but also the desire for more welcoming spaces on social media platforms. Bluesky, which operates similarly to the old version of Twitter, promises users more freedom and less toxicity.
Bluesky first emerged as part of Twitter's internal workings back when Jack Dorsey was still CEO. It has since operated independently under CEO Jay Graber. Yet, with growth, it is facing the familiar challenges of managing user-created content—delicate balancing acts Twitter struggled with for years. For example, many new users are discovering Bluesky's lax regulations, which unfortunately leads to disinformation and abuse material making its way onto the platform.
Interestingly, Bluesky’s rise parallels Twitter’s earlier days, particularly the rapid growth phase prior to establishing effective moderation systems. Twitter itself faced significant criticism for not rolling out reporting mechanisms and dealing with abuse early on, leaving it vulnerable to harassment and misinformation.
It’s no surprise then, as Bluesky surveys this terrain, they are gravely aware of their need to act swiftly. According to Aaron Rodericks, head of Trust and Safety at Bluesky, the platform’s content moderation team is set to increase from 25 to 100 members. This recruitment drive suggests Bluesky is committed to carving out safe ground away from the pitfalls Twitter found itself lost within for years.
From studying Twitter’s tumultuous history, Bluesky is now considered to be at the point where it must pivot to preventive measures. Early trials have shown users want engagement without the abuse often found on traditional media platforms.
While the new guidelines give Bluesky the opportunity to establish its place within social media, user expectations are high. Users expect moderation and regulation with little tolerance for the hostile environments often experienced on X. Should they fail to establish trust early—especially with urgencies posed by harmful content—they could find themselves traversing similar paths laden with obstacles like their predecessor, Twitter.
The pressure mounted from both users and the EU, which recently indicated Bluesky must comply with digital regulations, may stoke urgent action on the platform’s part. Unlike Musk’s leadership style, which often included conflict with regulatory bodies, Bluesky appears to be taking strides toward compliance, though it still has work to do.
Despite these challenges, Bluesky’s momentum presents signals of hope for its users, but only if it can effectively navigate the murky waters of content moderation and regulatory compliance. The platform has already begun implementing features like lists to help users manage their feed and interactions, resembling how Twitter functioned before its infamous decline.
With major brands and public figures continuing to leave X, the competition is mounting for Bluesky and other alternatives like Meta's Threads, which is notable for having matched Bluesky's growth but with 275 million users according to Meta's announcements. Users might find they no longer want to tread back and forth between platforms but would prefer one they can actively support and engage with positively.
The challenge for Bluesky now is developing its community: creating systems for positive engagement and responsible interaction. While the rapid surge of new users has injected significant energy and investment potential, it must also navigate growing pains without risking user trust.
This time of rapid growth, before the potential of losing the hearts of users for failing to act appropriately on content moderation, offers Bluesky both opportunities and challenges. With lessons from the past still fresh, it stands at the crossroads— poised to claim its space, but only if it stays committed to protecting its users from the hazards of freedom without responsibility.
New users at Bluesky are hopeful for radical transparency and community-driven content moderation, which aim to create safer online environments. Now, it’s time to see if Bluesky can forge its identity as the new, effectively moderated social media space users desire.
Emulating the structure of Bluesky, which intertwines familiar elements and innovative tools, provides users generous experiences but also functions as protection against falling prey to the challenges faced by its predecessors. If Bluesky acts responsibly to govern its content, it can pave the way toward genuine interaction where users can feel welcome without the fear of harassment or misinformation.
