Bluesky Surges Past 700,000 New Members Following U.S. Election
Bluesky gained over 700,000 new users post-U.S. election, reaching 14.5 million globally. Users are moving to Bluesky to escape misinformation from X. Analysts highlight Bluesky’s potential as a safe social media space, with features resembling X. Popular figures, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, are embracing this platform for its community feel.
In the wake of the recent U.S. election, the social media platform Bluesky has witnessed an impressive surge of over 700,000 new members within just one week. This influx, primarily from North America and the United Kingdom, has propelled Bluesky’s total user count to 14.5 million, a substantial increase from 9 million in September. Social media researcher Axel Bruns notes that Bluesky is appealing to users seeking a refuge from the misinformation and offensive content prevalent on X, formerly Twitter. He states, “It’s become a refuge for people who want to have the kind of social media experience that Twitter used to provide.” Originally conceived as a project within Twitter, Bluesky became an independent company in 2022 and is now led by CEO Jay Graber. The platform’s growth has been partly attributed to the disillusionment experienced by many former X users, especially following the controversial rebranding of Twitter to X and the association with its billionaire owner, Elon Musk. Following X’s rebranding, millions of users departed, with U.S. engagement dropping significantly. The recent growth parallels previous moments of dissatisfaction, particularly the platform gaining 3 million new users after X’s operations were halted in Brazil. Bluesky has recently added features reminiscent of X, such as direct messaging and video capabilities, to better attract a user base and enhance user engagement. Historical figures like Ruth Ben-Ghiat praised the platform for its welcoming features, sharing, “They promise to give Bluesky some of what I valued on Twitter/X: informed takes on a subject from multiple points of view.” Meanwhile, prominent figures such as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have expressed their approval of the platform, highlighting a sense of community among users. As Bluesky continues to attract former X users, ongoing adjustments to the platform may help mitigate the growing pains associated with a rapidly expanding user base. Analysts view this growth as reminiscent of early social media days, fostering an energetic and vibrant setting for users dissatisfied with contemporary alternatives. In conclusion, the transformation of Bluesky from a Twitter project to a prominent social media contender illustrates the shifting dynamics of user engagement in the digital landscape. With a commitment to providing a safer online environment, Bluesky appears poised for continued growth, offering an appealing alternative to X.
The rise of Bluesky follows a notable decline in user satisfaction on the recently rebranded platform X, which has faced criticism for increasing misinformation and political partisanship. Following the U.S. election and its controversial ownership under Elon Musk, many users are seeking spaces free from misinformation and far-right ideologies, which has propelled Bluesky’s growth. As an independent platform enhanced with features similar to those of X, Bluesky is emerging as a competitor in the social media sphere, attracting a diverse user base eager for an alternative.
In summary, the striking increase in Bluesky’s user base post-U.S. elections highlights the platform’s appeal as a haven for those disillusioned with X. The independent platform’s commitment to curbing misinformation, alongside new features geared towards enhancing the user experience, positions it as a competitor within the social media market. As users continue to flock to Bluesky, its evolution as a leading social media outlet appears promising in the context of heightened political scrutiny and the search for reliable online communities.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
