Owned by the billionaire and new American minister Elon Musk, X seems to be losing an impressive rate of popularity. The reason: the birth of a brand new social network, Bluesky.
The presidential election that brought Donald Trump to power is still in the news. With the recent appointment of Elon Musk (boss of Tesla and SpaceX) as Minister of Government Efficiency, things change, even where you least expect it. The new title of the American millionaire, as surprising as it is debated, reshuffles the cards regarding the popularity of the social network
Often criticized for the virulence of its users or for the predominant space given to disinformation and far-right activism, a source of hatred and torment, users choose to turn their backs on it and prefer a completely different network: Bluesky.
The crazy rise of a young platform
Created in 2021, Bluesky has only been available to the public since last February. Although new, the network has seen its user numbers skyrocket in recent months, with a notable increase following the election of Donald Trump in early November. In fact, nearly two million new Internet users visited the platform, bringing the total number of users to 15 million. We remind you that in September 2024 “only” 9 million accounts were created.
If Bluesky has become so popular it is thanks to the more peaceful and respectful character of its community, which ultimately recalls the beginnings of Twitter. Developed by Jack Dorsey, former CEO of Twitter, the platform allows you to share posts more calmly, without fearing the risk of insults or repression.
The defector’s message for Bluesky appears to be an eminently political message: that of protest against the republican, homophobic and racist ideology of Elon Musk. It is therefore not surprising to note that the blue butterfly’s social network mainly attracts Americans, disillusioned by the election of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States.
Despite Bluesky’s growing popularity, the small network is still far from overtaking its predecessors, with Threads having 275 million monthly active users as of November, compared to X’s 619 million.
What is BlueSky?
Like X, Bluesky allows its users to post messages, but also like, reply to and repost those of others. Its structure is similar to that under Musk’s leadership, but a substantial difference distinguishes the two adversaries.
Any Bluesky user can identify in advance the content they deem undesirable, thus avoiding witnessing violent or sexual content. Moderation is much more thorough than active
Asked by The Guardiansocial media researcher Axel Bruns says the Blue Butterfly app is “become a haven for people who want to have the kind of social media experience that Twitter once offered, without all the far-right activism, misinformation, hate speech, bots and everything else”.
A real tool for propaganda and misinformation, X is being abandoned by more and more users, including big names like The Guardian. The famous British newspaper announced the suspension of its account a few days ago, judging Musk’s platform to be ineffective “an amplifier of hate”. Musk’s character, more exposed than ever after his latest appointment, plays an important role in Donald Trump’s rise to the ranks.
How does community sentiment affect user engagement on social media platforms?
Interview between Time.News Editor and Social Media Expert
Time.News Editor (TNE): Welcome, everyone! Today, we have a very exciting topic to discuss—the rise of Bluesky, a new social media platform that seems to be threatening the dominance of X, formerly known as Twitter. Joining us is Dr. Lisa Harmon, a social media expert and digital culture analyst. Welcome, Dr. Harmon!
Dr. Lisa Harmon (DLH): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to dive into this topic.
TNE: So, let’s start with the basics. What are your thoughts on the rapid rise of Bluesky since its public launch earlier this year?
DLH: It’s fascinating! Bluesky’s growth from 9 million to 15 million users in a matter of months is remarkable. This surge reflects a clear demand for a safer, more respectful online space, especially following recent political events in the U.S. The timing of its rise is no coincidence; as disillusionment with platforms like X grows, users are looking for alternatives.
TNE: Speaking of X, how do you think Elon Musk’s controversial leadership and his recent political appointment have contributed to the decline in X’s user engagement?
DLH: Musk’s influence has certainly courted both admiration and outrage. Many users feel alienated by the content that dominates X, which includes disinformation and extremist rhetoric. His appointment as Minister of Government Efficiency adds another layer of complexity; some people are using their online presence to express their dissent against his values. This has driven users toward Bluesky, which offers a more moderated environment.
TNE: Bluesky seems to echo the early days of Twitter, offering a community that feels more genuine and less toxic. How important is community sentiment in social media growth?
DLH: Community sentiment is crucial; it drives engagement and retention. Bluesky has been successful largely due to its emphasis on creating a welcoming atmosphere. Users gravitate toward platforms where they feel their voices can be shared without hostility. This sense of belonging can rapidly amplify user loyalty, which is something many older platforms are struggling with right now.
TNE: Can you elaborate on how political elements influence social media behavior? It seems that Bluesky has drawn in many disillusioned users in light of the recent election results.
DLH: Absolutely! Social media is inherently political today. Bluesky appears to attract users who are either frustrated with the current political climate or are seeking an escape from ideological divisions they see on other platforms. The appeal lies in a community fostering inclusivity and understanding rather than the divisive narratives many have grown tired of.
TNE: Despite Bluesky’s impressive growth, it still trails far behind Threads, which has about 275 million monthly users. What does that mean for the future of Bluesky?
DLH: While Bluesky’s growth is commendable, it’s important to acknowledge that it’s still in its infancy. Competing against established giants like Threads, which benefit from aggressive marketing and vast user bases, will be a challenge. However, if Bluesky can maintain its community-focused approach and innovate smartly, it stands a good chance of carving out its niche.
TNE: Interesting perspectives! In your expert opinion, what should Bluesky focus on to sustain its growth and potentially rival or surpass the existing platforms?
DLH: Bluesky should prioritize user feedback to enhance their platform. Creating features that encourage positive interactions and community-building will be key. They should also consider expanding their outreach efforts, like partnerships or campaigns that highlight their unique value proposition to users uncertain about migrating from larger networks.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Harmon! Your insights into the dynamics of social media and current events have shed light on the ongoing shifts in this digital landscape.
DLH: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time to observe how social media evolves.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay tuned for more discussions on emerging trends and technologies in the world of social media!