Following the U.S. presidential election, Bluesky has gained over one million users, reaching a total of more than 15 million. The surge follows dissatisfaction with X under Elon Musk, particularly among left-leaning users. The Guardian has ceased posting on X, citing its toxic content, as users increasingly seek alternatives in Bluesky.
The micro-blogging platform Bluesky has welcomed over one million new users following the recent U.S. presidential election, rising from nine million in September to a total of more than 15 million users. This influx is largely attributed to users departing from the platform X, particularly expressing dissatisfaction with the direction under Elon Musk’s ownership. Many individuals, especially left-leaning users, have abandoned X due to concerns regarding increasing hate speech and a perceived shift in the platform’s political leanings. Bluesky, established in 2019 by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, has positioned itself as a refuge for those disenchanted by the policies and governance of X. Reports indicate that some users cited Musk’s association with President-elect Donald Trump and the recent surge in hateful discourse on X as primary motivations for their transition. In a related development, billionaire Mark Cuban articulated his sentiments stating, “Hello Less Hateful World,” reflecting the general mood among those moving to Bluesky. In a critical turn of events, The Guardian publicly decided to discontinue posting content on X, labeling it a “toxic media platform” riddled with disturbing content, including racism and conspiracy theories. The newspaper emphasized that the negative aspects of being associated with X now overshadow any potential benefits, hinting that their resources would be better spent promoting journalism on less contentious platforms. Following the election, as Musk’s association with Trump drew scrutiny, Bluesky reaffirmed its commitment to not allowing undue influence over its platform’s content, promoting itself as a sanctuary for concerned users. Despite the boost in user numbers for Bluesky, X still maintains a significantly larger user base. Nevertheless, reports indicate a wave of departures; approximately 115,000 U.S.-based users deactivated their X accounts on the day following the U.S. election, marking a significant decrease since Musk’s acquisition in October 2022, as noted by Similarweb, an internet traffic analysis service.
The emergence of Bluesky highlights the dynamic nature of online social platforms, particularly in the wake of Elon Musk’s ownership of X, which many users have critiqued for fostering negative content and shifting politically. The platform has garnered attention as people seek alternatives that align more closely with their values. The reaction to the U.S. presidential election and subsequent political developments has catalyzed significant user movement towards Bluesky, reflecting broader societal issues concerning social media governance and content moderation.
The recent surge in Bluesky’s user base post-U.S. election underscores a marked shift in social media dynamics, particularly as users voice their dissatisfaction with X and its direction under Elon Musk’s leadership. As platforms like Bluesky offer alternatives that cater to users’ growing demands for safe and politically neutral spaces, the future of social media continues to evolve amidst changing public sentiments. The transition from X to Bluesky may signify a broader trend towards political and ideological alignments within social media engagement.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
