The Rise of Bluesky: A New Era in Social Media
In the wake of Twitter’s transformation into X, a new social media platform has emerged as a haven for those seeking a fresh start. Bluesky, founded by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, has seen a surge in popularity, attracting over 28 million users, including high-profile figures like Mark Cuban, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Stephen King.
A Vacuum Left by Old Twitter
According to Meghana Dhar, a strategic advisor and former head of partnerships at Instagram and Snap Inc., Bluesky’s rapid growth can be attributed to the void left by Twitter’s changes. “When Elon Musk took over Twitter, content moderation and pricing options changed, leading to a loss of users,” Dhar explains. As a result, Bluesky has become an attractive alternative for those seeking a different atmosphere.
A Decentralized Approach
Bluesky distinguishes itself from conventional social media platforms by offering a decentralized approach, giving users greater control over their data and content. Users can write short posts, include multimedia, and interact with others’ content. Moreover, they can browse a marketplace of algorithms built by other users or create their own to curate their feed.
User Autonomy
Bluesky’s CEO, Jay Graber, emphasizes the platform’s commitment to user autonomy. “We don’t control what you see on Bluesky… You can export your posts, likes, and followers to other platforms if you choose to leave.” This feature makes the platform “billionaire-proof,” Graber claims.
Monetization and Challenges
Unlike most social media platforms, Bluesky currently does not host ads. Instead, it plans to introduce a subscription model and services for developers. However, as the platform grows, it faces challenges such as impersonator accounts and scammers. Bluesky has seen a significant increase in reports to its moderation service, with 6.48 million reports submitted in 2024 compared to 358,000 in 2023.
A New Frontier in Social Media
As Bluesky continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how it will navigate the complexities of the social media landscape. One thing is certain, however – Bluesky has carved out a niche for itself as a platform that prioritizes user control and autonomy.
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