The world of social media is witnessing seismic shifts as users migrate en masse from X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to the up-and-coming alternative, Bluesky. This migration is part of what some are dubbing the "Great X-odus." The crackdown on inappropriate content and the rise of right-wing rhetoric under Elon Musk’s ownership has hardened the resolve of many users to find safer, more inclusive online spaces.
Since Musk's takeover of Twitter—now rebranded X—in 2022, the platform has become increasingly associated with far-right ideologies, raising alarm bells among many, particularly during the recent United States elections. Following Donald Trump's presidential victory, reports indicated over 115,000 account deactivations on X, as users opted to leave the platform altogether.
For many New Yorkers, Bluesky has emerged as the new frontier. City politicians and agencies are establishing their presence on this platform, nudging it forward as they explore options for effective communication with their constituents. City officials, though still largely silent on Bluesky, see its potential for engaging New Yorkers and combating misinformation. One spokesperson from City Hall explained, "Our administration is always finding new ways to best keep New Yorkers informed."
They mentioned the necessity of being proactive against fake accounts, which have already surfaced on Bluesky.
Jack Dorsey, former CEO of Twitter, originally initiated Bluesky as a research project back in 2019, with the aim of creating decentralized social media. Dorsey’s goal was to allow creators and developers the freedom to produce and control their content without heavy-handed corporate oversight. Since Bluesky's transformation from Twitter’s project to its own independent platform, it has swiftly gained traction, attracting millions of new users seeking refuge from X's contentious atmosphere.
The sentiments behind this exodus are deeply rooted. Many users now associate X with toxicity, intolerance, and rampant misinformation—conditions increasingly amplified under Musk’s leadership. Council Member Chris Marte denounced X for not reflecting the larger population and claimed Bluesky is more representative and safer for users. He labeled X as having been tainted by Musk’s right-wing agenda.
Similarly, other City Council members have expressed their apprehensions about X. Council Member Justin Brannan described the platform's atmosphere as "a wasteland" and noted, "I don't know if I want to continue financially contributing to Musk." His resolve to migrate to Bluesky stems from the pressing need for more meaningful and less incendiary online interactions.
Gale Brewer, another council member, echoed this sentiment, describing Musk as "a challenge" and her desire to build a community on Bluesky free from the negativity associated with X. While some politicians may still be weighing their options, the visible shift is unmistakable, with many hoping for Bluesky to remain untarnished by the sort of controversies now frequently associated with X.
Not only politicians but also journalists are reconsidering their presence on X. The Guardian declared its discontent with the rampant conspiracy theories and inappropriate content, opting to halt all activity on the platform. Notably, Bluesky has become home to journalists seeking to detox from X's toxicity.
The recent trend of migrating away from X isn’t limited to just one demographic. Celebrities and influencers are also making the switch. Figures like Lizzo and Gabrielle Union have publicly opted to join Bluesky, voicing their concerns about X's capacity for fostering harmful, far-right ideologies. These decisions are prompting followers and fans to explore Bluesky as more than just another app; it embodies the aspirational need for healthier digital spaces.
Bluesky’s growth has been astounding. Gaining over 700,000 users within just one week during the election season, it appears to be dynamically filling the void left by X for countless people disillusioned by social media’s contemporary direction. Users at all levels feel drawn to its vision based on the promise of decentralized control and user agency.
The transition from X is not without its challenges. For those familiar with the established norms and practices on X, such as inflection points and trending topics, adapting to the fresh construct of Bluesky will take time. But many seem encouraged by the potential of this young platform to offer more fulfilling social connections.
The question remains, will migrating to Bluesky provide the answer for those fleeing X? Or is there a communal responsibility to confront and challenge the prevalent right-wing narratives infecting social media platforms? One thing is clear: as discussions of freedom of expression and accountability carry on, the dynamics of social media are shifting. Users are driven by the urgency of carving out spaces where dialogue is constructive, informative, and respectful, steering away from the vitriol characteristic of X.
Listeners of the fourth episode of the Dazed and Discoursed podcast have been encouraged to reflect on these pressing questions as hosts engage leading voices like features writer Thom Waite, who emphasizes both the gravity of the situation and progress. Has the time come to chart our paths distinctly from platforms steeped in divisiveness? Or should users remain planted, tackling the challenges within? Only time will tell how these platforms will adapt and how users will choose to engage with them moving forward.