Bluesky has experienced significant growth in its user base following the US elections, with 700,000 new registrations in a week, increasing its total membership to 14.5 million. The rise is attributed to discontent with Elon Musk’s X, leading influential figures to endorse Bluesky as a more authentic digital space.
In the wake of the US elections, the social media platform Bluesky has witnessed a significant surge in user registrations, attributing this growth to dissatisfaction with its competitor, X (formerly Twitter). The platform’s user base expanded by 700,000 in the week following the elections, escalating its total membership from 9 million in September to 14.5 million by November 12. The influx primarily comprises users from the United States and the United Kingdom, prompting excitement among Bluesky representatives, who express enthusiasm for diverse new users ranging from musicians to professionals. The migration from X to Bluesky is believed to be influenced by the discontent with X’s owner, Elon Musk, particularly following his backing of President-elect Donald Trump. Users reported increased instances of misinformation and offensive content on X, which has generated a wave of criticism against the platform’s policies. Prominent figures, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have publicly announced their return to Bluesky, citing a preference for a more authentic online community. This migration trend is not unprecedented; previous events, such as civil unrest in the UK, prompted similar movements to Bluesky. The platform, which operates independently since its official launch in 2021, was originally conceived as a part of Twitter by former CEO Jack Dorsey in 2019. Bluesky facilitates a decentralized model, allowing for interoperability amongst different platforms, presenting an appealing alternative to traditional social media monopolies. Despite its growth, Bluesky maintains a familiar functionality reminiscent of X with features like direct messaging, helping it compete effectively against other emerging platforms, namely Meta’s Threads. As Bluesky continues to evolve, it may attract further users disillusioned by the conditions on X.
Bluesky was launched as a distinct entity in 2021 after originating as part of Twitter in 2019. Under the leadership of Jay Graber, it introduces a decentralized approach to social media, allowing various communities to operate independently instead of under a single corporate entity. This strategy appeals to individuals seeking alternatives to mainstream platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Recent events surrounding the US elections have triggered a notable increase in user registrations on Bluesky, emphasizing a growing dissatisfaction with conventional social media dynamics, particularly on platforms owned by influential individuals like Elon Musk.
In summary, Bluesky’s recent surge in user registrations post-US elections illustrates a significant shift in social media engagement, driven by user dissatisfaction with X. As users seek alternatives to combat misinformation and offensive content, Bluesky emerges as a compelling option, particularly due to its decentralized nature and appealing user features. This trend highlights the ongoing evolution of social media landscapes and the discontent individuals face in more centralized platforms.
Original Source: news.sky.com
