Bluesky Gains 1 Million Users Post U.S. Elections as Alternatives to X Emerge
Bluesky has gained 1 million users in the week after the U.S. elections, reaching a total of 15 million. The platform, led by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, serves as an alternative to X, offering features that promote user engagement free from advertisements and hate speech. The growth follows other instances of user migration from X, raising questions about content management on social media platforms.
Bluesky, a social media platform backed by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, has witnessed remarkable growth, adding 1 million new users in the week following the recent U.S. elections, causing its total user base to rise to 15 million. This surge reflects a trend where users of X are increasingly seeking alternatives for online engagement. Bluesky, which was initially introduced as an invitation-only platform, became publicly available in February and resembles X with features like a chronological feed, direct messaging, and curated content lists. The post-election spike in user registrations is not unprecedented; Bluesky had previously gained 2.6 million users in the aftermath of X’s ban in Brazil. Furthermore, an immediate influx of approximately 500,000 users emerged in response to controversial changes announced by X. Despite Bluesky’s significant user growth, X asserts its dominance, noting a record number of new signups on Election Day and tremendous engagement metrics. Bluesky has openly acknowledged its competitive stance against X, with playful references highlighting its philosophical differences on user engagement planning. New users arriving at Bluesky predominantly include journalists, left-leaning political figures, and celebrities, who express relief at being part of a platform devoid of advertisements and overt hostility. This illustrates a larger migration from X, particularly following concerns regarding inappropriate content and the platform’s hostile atmosphere. Notably, The Guardian recently announced its decision to cease posting on X, citing the platform’s harboring of extreme political viewpoints as a key factor. In the wake of advertisers fleeing X due to inappropriate content, Bluesky’s appeal as a refuge from the contentious environment of many mainstream platforms continues to grow, drawing users seeking more respectful engagement.
The context surrounding Bluesky’s rise is rooted in its innovative approach to social networking, emerging as a formidable alternative to platforms that have been associated with controversial content and user engagement policies. The site’s development began under the guidance of Jack Dorsey, who sought to create a more user-centric experience. Bluesky’s migration of users from X reflects larger trends in social media detachment, particularly among communities concerned with content moderation and platform integrity, especially post-election.
In summary, Bluesky’s substantial user growth following the U.S. elections signifies a shift towards alternative social media platforms as users seek environments with less toxicity and clearer moderation. As Bluesky continues to attract a diverse and engaged user base, its positioning as a viable competitor to X is reinforced by the current discontent surrounding mainstream platforms. The ongoing shifts in user preferences emphasize the importance of content moderation and community standards in contemporary social media discourse.
Original Source: apnews.com
