Leaving X? Where Next? On Bluesky, Threads and the “Fediverse”
Nov 25, 2024
auto_awesome
Kara hosts Nilay Patel, Editor-in-chief of The Verge; Mike Isaac, NY Times tech correspondent; and Alexa Corse from the Wall Street Journal, to discuss the mass migration from Elon Musk’s X to emerging platforms like Bluesky and Threads. They delve into the appeal of decentralized social media and the rise of the fediverse. The conversation highlights users seeking community over algorithm-driven engagement and explores the challenges of moderation and political discourse in today's online ecosystem. Tune in for insights on the evolving social media landscape!
Many users are leaving X for alternatives like Threads and Bluesky, seeking safer and more moderated online communities free from toxicity.
The differences in content moderation approaches between platforms highlight a growing demand for user control over engagement and visibility of politically charged content.
Social media fragmentation indicates a shift towards specialized platforms, allowing users to find communities that better align with their personal interests and values.
Deep dives
The Shift from X to Other Platforms
Many users are leaving X (formerly Twitter) largely due to increased toxicity and dissatisfaction with the platform's handling of content and user interactions. This migration has led to a significant rise in user engagement on platforms like Blue Sky and Threads, with the shifting dynamics creating distinct online communities. Users have reported feeling better since leaving X, as the site has transformed into a space fraught with negativity and hostility. The growing popularity of alternative social media sites suggests a desire for a more moderated and friendly online environment where users can discuss current events without constant vitriol.
Content Moderation and Algorithm Changes
The conversation around content moderation has intensified, particularly regarding how X's algorithms amplify political content, even for users uninterested in such topics. Research indicates that many users, regardless of their political leanings, experience significant exposure to politically charged posts. The culture of manipulation in algorithms raises concerns about user experiences and the information that is disseminated. As alternative platforms emphasize user control over content visibility and engagement, there is a growing expectation that these services will provide more balanced and constructive environments.
The Rise of Different Social Media Communities
The recent fragmentation of social media into niche platforms has prompted conversations about the emergence of more specialized online communities. Blue Sky, for instance, has attracted a demographic of experts and creatives dissatisfied with the current atmosphere on X, while Threads caters more to lifestyle influencers. This division suggests that users are increasingly seeking platforms that resonate with their interests and values, creating varied spaces where different cultures can flourish. The contrasting approaches of these platforms indicate a potential shift away from a monolithic social media model toward diverse user-driven communities.
Monetization Strategies of Emerging Platforms
As newer platforms like Threads and Blue Sky emerge, their monetization strategies come under scrutiny, especially in relation to X's revenue struggles. Threads, backed by Meta, is poised to leverage its integration with Facebook and Instagram for advertising potential, while Blue Sky is exploring unique approaches that include selling customized algorithms to users. The ability of each platform to effectively monetize its user base will shape its long-term viability and influence in the social media landscape. These strategies reflect a broader trend of experimenting with diverse revenue models to sustain user engagement and financial health.
The Future of Social Media Fragmentation
The fragmentation of social media is seen as a natural evolution, moving away from a single dominant platform to a more diverse ecosystem of specialized sites catering to varied user needs. This shift emphasizes the importance of community rather than a universal town square where all voices comply with one standard. Many users are now gravitating toward platforms that offer more intimate and focused environments, such as Reddit or Blue Sky, which nurture specific interests. The predicted result is a healthier online landscape where people enjoy interacting within their chosen communities without the pressures of broader platforms.
Elon Musk’s social media platform X lost more than 280,000 global users the day after the US presidential election. Meanwhile, sites like Threads from Meta and newcomer Bluesky have seen huge surges in signups. Kara talks to a team of social media experts about the “X-odus”; who is migrating to Threads and Bluesky and why; how those federated protocols (or “fediverse”) differ from X’s algorithmic platform; and if the social media “town square” giving way to a more fragmented communities is a good or bad thing.
Guests: Nilay Patel, Editor-in-chief of The Verge and Host of Decoder; New York Times Tech Correspondent Mike Isaac; Wall Street Journal Tech Reporter Alexa Corse.
Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find us on Instagram and TikTok @onwithkaraswisher
