Bluesky, a social media platform born out of former Twitter’s leadership, is experiencing a surge in user growth, driven by dissatisfaction with Elon Musk’s control of X (formerly Twitter). While still small compared to established social media platforms, Bluesky offers a refreshing alternative for users seeking a friendlier, less commercially-driven space.

What is Bluesky?

Launched by Jack Dorsey, former CEO of Twitter, Bluesky initially operated as an invite-only platform to build its features and moderation tools before opening to the public in February. The platform mirrors some of the familiar features of Twitter, such as a “discover” feed and a chronological timeline of posts from users’ follows. It also offers functionality like direct messaging, pinning posts, and curated “starter packs” for users to explore new content and accounts.

Despite its similarities to Twitter, Bluesky sets itself apart by prioritizing a lighter, more positive atmosphere, free from the intense political tension and advertisement-driven content that characterizes larger platforms like X. This unique appeal has contributed to its growing popularity, especially among users who feel alienated by the changes implemented after Musk took over Twitter in 2022.

Bluesky’s Growing Popularity

In mid-November, Bluesky announced a jump in total users to 15 million, up from 13 million at the end of October. This increase comes as some X users seek an alternative platform with fewer ads, less hate speech, and a more welcoming environment for sharing thoughts and conversations. The platform’s post-election growth isn’t the first time Bluesky has benefitted from dissatisfaction with X. In August, after X was banned in Brazil, Bluesky saw a spike of 2.6 million new users, with 85% of them coming from Brazil. Additionally, in October, when X made waves by allowing blocked accounts to view public posts, Bluesky gained 500,000 new users in just one day.

A diverse range of new users has joined Bluesky, from journalists to left-leaning politicians and celebrities, many expressing that the platform reminds them of Twitter’s earlier, less divisive days. The emphasis on user-centric experience, free from the profit-driven motives of major tech companies, has been a major selling point.

Despite these gains, X remains dominant in terms of global influence. X recently boasted of “dominating the global conversation on the U.S. election” and setting new records for engagement. However, Bluesky’s growth highlights a growing discontent with the direction of X, as users increasingly seek platforms that align with their values and offer a less hostile environment for communication.

Bluesky’s Vision: Beyond Social Networking

Bluesky’s ambitions extend beyond simply competing with X. The platform is working on building a “protocol for public conversation,” a technical foundation designed to support interoperability between different social media platforms. This would allow users to communicate seamlessly across networks, similar to how email or phone numbers work across different service providers.

Currently, social media platforms operate in isolated ecosystems. Users on Twitter, for instance, cannot directly engage with users on TikTok or Instagram. This lack of interoperability is driven by the competitive business models of Big Tech companies, which build closed systems to maximize ad revenue and control user data.

Bluesky, on the other hand, aims to break down these barriers. By focusing on creating a decentralized network, Bluesky could allow users to interact across platforms without needing to remain within a single ecosystem. This vision of interconnected platforms has the potential to revolutionize how online communication functions, offering a more open, user-friendly alternative to today’s fragmented social media landscape.

Bluesky’s approach represents a shift toward prioritizing user experience over corporate interests, and its growing user base reflects a broader desire for alternatives to the current social media giants. While it may still be small, its innovative ambitions and commitment to creating a more open online space could define the next era of social networking.

(Adapted from APNews.com)