After Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, is experiencing its largest user exodus since Elon Musk's takeover. Reports indicate over 115,000 users left the platform shortly after the election results, expressing dissatisfaction with the content and environment X now offers.
Among the notable figures departing are celebrities like Jamie Lee Curtis, Elton John, and Mia Farrow, pushing the narrative of X's declining appeal. British news outlet The Guardian has also decided to halt its activity on the platform, highlighting the growing discontent among users and media entities. The Guardian cited Musk's influence on the platform's dynamics and how it exacerbates issues relating to misinformation and far-right extremism, particularly following the recent election.
The fallout from Trump’s election and his associated political maneuvers has spurred many users to seek out alternatives. One of the biggest beneficiaries of this user migration is Bluesky, the social media platform founded by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey. Bluesky has reportedly gained over one million new users within just one week post-election, reaching approximately 14.7 million active accounts.
On the other hand, Meta's Threads continues to dominate as X's primary competitor, boasting around 275 million active users. Nevertheless, Bluesky has recently claimed the title of the top free app on the iOS store, overtaking Threads which has slipped to the number two spot.
The user sentiment driving this exodus is rooted deeply in political beliefs and the perceived rise of negative discourse on X. According to Shannon C. McGregor, an associate professor at the University of North Carolina’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media, the flood of far-right and conspiracy-driven posts on the platform has contributed significantly to its declining user base. Many users have expressed their frustration with X's deteriorated content quality since Musk's acquisition.
A 39-year-old finance director from St. Louis, Kawa Wutz, noted, "Every time I opened it up, it would throw things at me... I started to see more anti-woman stuff. I was like, ‘You know what? That’s personal. I’m done.'_" Users like Wutz represent the growing segment of former X users who are politically motivated to seek out platforms with communities reflecting their ideologies.
Wutz's departure occurred on November 6, the day after the election, alongside numerous other high-profile figures and everyday users who have expressed the same sentiment. Prominent Democrats such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Chasten Buttigieg, husband of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, have also migrated to Bluesky, solidifying its place as the new hub for left-leaning discourse.
Bluesky's communications have emphasized its commitment to maintaining the integrity of discussions, stating, "I can guarantee no Bluesky team members will be sitting with any presidential candidate..._" This play for political neutrality has attracted many users turned off by the overtly political atmosphere on X, with many feeling more safe and heard on Bluesky.
The surge of user registrations on Bluesky is encouraging activity across various forms of engagement. Emily Liu, Bluesky’s spokesperson, remarked, "We’re seeing increased activity levels across all different forms of engagement_". This wave of interest reflects not only users seeking new digital homes but also the hopes for more wholesome and constructive digital communities.
While Bluesky has made considerable strides, Threads remains significantly more popular, consistently garnering hundreds of millions of users. This dynamic leaves many questioning whether Bluesky will be able to sustain its momentum or if it will eventually trail behind as another social media alternative fades from public interest.
The plight of X and the concurrent rise of Bluesky and Threads signal major shifts within the social media ecosystem, prompting experts to monitor trends closely. Within just months, Musk's influence has driven users away from X, compelling them to seek social media platforms more aligned with their views and well-being amid the political chaos of the 2024 elections.
Netizens seem to be prioritizing platforms where they feel protected from toxic interactions and misinformation. Such needs for safety have become integral components of the social media experience post the election, galvanizing users to advocate for digital spaces reflecting their respective ideologies and passions. Bluesky, by leveraging this sentiment, aims to solidify its emergent role as the preferred social media platform for users disillusioned by their previous experiences on X.
Media professionals have taken note of X's increasingly toxic environment. The departure of The Guardian, which will stop posting from its X accounts, marks another blow to the platform's credibility. Users are increasingly concerned about Musk's management style and its repercussions on the platform's overall integrity.
Some users are echoing sentiments of longing for the early days of Twitter before its tumultuous changes under Musk. José Vilson, who continues to post across multiple platforms, expressed, "From a human perspective, it’s tough to leave technology... I’m probably going to post less, but I’m not going to delete the account". This sentiment reflects the internal struggle many users experience as they navigate their relationship with social media post-election.
At this juncture, Bluesky's heightened activity and growth serve as both a haven for users who've left X and as a direct challenge to social media giants like Meta. The question remains whether Bluesky can keep up its recruiting pace and establish itself as the long-term alternative for the dissatisfied users of X, especially as posts and interactions continue to surge on this new digital frontier. The exodus is symptomatic of the broader cultural and political shifts occurring—even within digital spaces, users are asserting need for platforms reflecting their values and communities.
Bluesky’s rise is more than just numbers; it reflects the deep connections users feel toward the spaces where they share ideas, converse, and engage. Far beyond the disingenuous interactions seen on X post-Trump's victory, users are building anew—a digital community where they no longer have to feel isolated, unsafe, or outraged by political posts forced upon them. The changing tide hints at significant transformations within social media dynamics influenced by politics and user agency.
What happens next for X? Trends suggest continuing losses of users and influences as the social media platform grapples with discontent and seeks to redefine itself under Musk's leadership. With Bluesky and Threads thriving, it’s not just about social media engagement—it's about reclaiming user experiences within those electronic corridors of communication.
This unprecedented migration will continue to resonate as influencers, celebrities, and everyday users alike make choices reflective of their values and identities on these new platforms. The post-election shift signifies a pivotal moment for social media, emphasizing the need for diversity and inclusivity within digital spaces going forward.
