Tech journalist Ed Zitron, known for his work on the podcast Better Offline and his newsletter Where's Your Ed At, joins to discuss the rising appeal of Bluesky. With users flocking from X, he delves into what sets Bluesky apart, highlighting its user-centric approach. Zitron explores the dark transformation of Twitter under Elon Musk, touching on increased toxicity and moderation issues. He also examines the complexities of free speech in social media, advocating for platforms that prioritize user experience and safety.
The decline of X under Elon Musk highlights users' growing frustration with harmful content and a desire for improved user experience.
Bluesky's user-centric approach to moderation and chronological feeds offers a promising alternative that prioritizes safety and meaningful interactions.
Deep dives
The Shift in Social Media Dynamics
The decline of X, previously known as Twitter, under Elon Musk's leadership has resulted in a noticeable shift in user engagement and trust. Users increasingly express frustration with the aggressive algorithm, which emphasizes sensational content and often showcases harmful posts, leading to a deteriorating user experience. In contrast, emerging platforms like Blue Sky are gaining popularity by offering chronological feeds and a more transparent user experience, which encourages meaningful interactions. This change reflects a broader trend where users are seeking alternatives that prioritize community and individual agency over algorithmic manipulation.
Blue Sky's Approach to Moderation and User Experience
Blue Sky's unique approach to user moderation sets it apart from X. Unlike X, where blocking a user allows them to still view posts, Blue Sky ensures that once a user is blocked, they are unable to interact with the blocker at all. This creates a safer environment for users who wish to avoid harassment and toxic interactions. Additionally, features like detached quotes help mitigate the spread of negativity by preventing users from dragging others into unwanted public discourse, fostering a more respectful and enjoyable online community.
Potential Future of Blue Sky in the Tech Landscape
Blue Sky holds promise not only as a rival to X but as a transformative force in the social media landscape. Its success relies on its commitment to user-centric design and decentralized principles, allowing for resilience against the hostile dynamics of traditional tech platforms. Observing the growing user base and positive feedback highlights a yearning for platforms that treat users with respect and prioritize genuine connections over profit-driven strategies. If Blue Sky can navigate linguistic and geographical challenges, it could reshape how social media platforms operate and redefine user expectations in the tech industry.
Since the U.S. election last month, Bluesky – which describes itself as ‘social media as it should be’ – has gained a lot of traction. They now have more than 24 million users, and traffic on the site is up 500% in the United States in the last month.
Many users have fled there from X (formerly Twitter) which has seen a sharp decline since Elon Musk bought the platform in 2022. The frequency of bots, partisan advertisements and harassment are often cited as reasons for leaving the social media platform.
Ed Zitron is a tech journalist who hosts the podcast Better Offline, and writes the newsletter Where's Your Ed At.
He talks to host Jayme Poisson about the rise of Bluesky, what differentiates it from X, and what this all means for the future of social media.