Bluesky is emerging as a notable player in social networking, attracting over 20 million users post the American presidential election. While it competes with platforms like Twitter/X, Mastodon, and Threads, it aims to provide a unique decentralized experience. Founded by Jack Dorsey, Bluesky emphasizes user security and community engagement, navigating challenges similar to other social media platforms. As it grows, questions arise about the feasibility of creating a true “safe space” online amid potential moderation and financial pressures.
Bluesky: A Rising Star in Social Networking
This week, I’ve noticed a surge of discussions in my favorite tech newsletters regarding Bluesky. With aspirations to be your go-to source for technology insights, I’m joining the conversation. Following the recent American presidential election, Bluesky has witnessed a remarkable increase in users, now boasting over 20 million members. While this number seems modest compared to platforms like Twitter/X, Facebook, or TikTok, the optimistic vibe of Bluesky is hard to ignore. Could this be an opportunity to create something fresh and engaging?
Understanding Bluesky’s Unique Position
Bluesky emerges as a contender in the social media landscape, standing alongside alternatives like Mastodon and Threads, which is under the Meta umbrella. Each platform offers a distinct user experience focused on short text posts, yet they differ in significant ways. Mastodon embraces an open-source and decentralized philosophy, allowing interoperability with other networks that utilize the ActivityPub protocol. In contrast, Threads follows Meta’s algorithmic approach, prioritizing an automated news feed and often downplaying political content. Interestingly, Threads is also exploring integration into the Fediverse, a move that raises eyebrows given Meta’s longstanding dominance in the social media realm.
Bluesky finds its niche between these two models. Originating from a vision by Jack Dorsey, former CEO of Twitter, Bluesky was conceived as a decentralized social networking experiment. After Dorsey’s departure, the platform has established itself independently, developing its own AT protocol and securing $15 million in funding from private investors in October. Bluesky has assured users that it will not become “hyper-financialized” through mechanisms like tokens or NFTs.
Despite the competitive landscape, Bluesky has become a beacon of hope for many disillusioned Twitter users. While Threads boasts a larger user base of approximately 275 million active monthly users, much of that growth stems from its integration with Instagram. Bluesky, on the other hand, has captivated former Twitter aficionados—journalists, political commentators, and humorists. According to Similarweb, on November 15, the active user count on Threads in the U.S. was just 1.5 times that of Bluesky, indicating a relatively close competition, although Instagram has disputed these figures without offering corrections.
As for Mastodon, it’s often perceived as more complicated than it truly is, catering to specific communities while sometimes frustrating users who expect a different technological experience. Ultimately, most internet users seek to connect with their communities, rather than dive deep into technical intricacies.
The Debate on Safe Spaces
The meteoric rise of Bluesky raises intriguing questions. My interest isn’t driven by the desire for a “safe space.” I’ve expressed skepticism about the concept of a “filter bubble” before; it’s only natural to gravitate toward people who share similar viewpoints. While some may desire a peaceful online environment, I ponder the definition of a “safe space” and the complexities involved in achieving it. What are the necessary conditions—technological, human, financial, and content-related—for users to feel secure online? Despite its decentralized structure, Bluesky’s moderation team still plays a crucial role in managing user reports and implementing content filters.
Moreover, Bluesky is experiencing rapid growth. If it continues on this trajectory, it may face challenges similar to those encountered by other platforms driven by virality and user engagement. Issues such as financial pressures, unmet promises, and moderation disputes loom large. As I see my subscriber count rise—a remnant of my active Twitter days—I can’t help but feel a tinge of hypocrisy in hoping for a different outcome amidst familiar patterns. I enjoy my time on Bluesky, but I can’t shake the question: do I truly feel in control here?