Bluesky Surges Past 15 Million Users Amid User Exodus from X

Bluesky has gained over 1 million users since the U.S. presidential election, now surpassing 15 million total users. This growth comes as many users abandon X, feeling dissatisfied with its content and management under Elon Musk. The shift indicates a rising preference for platforms that allow for healthier political discourse.

The micro-blogging platform Bluesky has recently seen a significant user influx, gaining over one million new accounts since the conclusion of the U.S. presidential election. The platform now boasts more than 15 million users, rising from approximately nine million in September. This surge is attributed to a notable shift of users from X, formerly known as Twitter, following dissatisfaction with its management under billionaire Elon Musk. Initiated by Twitter’s co-founder Jack Dorsey in 2019, Bluesky has garnered attention as a preferred choice for users who lean left politically, especially in response to what many perceive as X’s rightward shift under Musk’s ownership. Factors motivating this transition include an association between Musk and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, alongside an increase in hateful rhetoric on X. As entrepreneur Mark Cuban remarked on the platform, “Hello Less Hateful World.” In light of these developments, several entities, including The Guardian, have ceased posting content on X, declaring it a “toxic media platform” due to the concerning rise in racism and conspiracy theories under Musk’s stewardship. The Guardian notes, “The U.S. presidential election campaign served only to underline what we have considered for a long time: that X is a toxic media platform… We think that the benefits of being on X are now outweighed by the negatives.” In a response emphasizing its values, Bluesky highlighted that none of its team will maintain any affiliations with political candidates, contrasting its operations against those of X. While X continues to hold a larger overall user base, it has witnessed waves of departures under Musk since he assumed control in October 2022. Data from Similarweb indicated that approximately 115,000 U.S.-based users deactivated their X accounts on the day following the election, marking the largest single-day decline during Musk’s tenure.

Bluesky was established in 2019 by Jack Dorsey, who previously co-founded Twitter. The platform has recently gained traction as a refuge for individuals discontented with the prevailing political discourse on X, particularly following Elon Musk’s acquisition of the platform in October 2022. Users have increasingly migrated towards Bluesky, citing various factors such as Musk’s associations with controversial figures, the rise of offensive content on X, and the need for a more inclusive online environment. This shift can be viewed within the larger context of ongoing debates regarding the role of social media in shaping political discourse and user engagement.

In summary, Bluesky’s significant user growth post-U.S. election reflects a broader trend of discontent with X’s management under Elon Musk. The migration of users seeking a more tolerant and less inflammatory social media experience illustrates the changing dynamics in the digital landscape, especially concerning political discourse. As organizations like The Guardian reassess their engagement with platforms perceived as detrimental, it will be crucial for media and social networks alike to navigate these challenges.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com