Bluesky gains more than 1.25 million followers since U.S. election

Bluesky, a social media platform that emerged as a competitor to Elon Musk’s X, has experienced a surge in user growth following the U.S. presidential election. Since last week’s election, Bluesky has gained more than 1.25 million users, bringing its total user base to over 15 million, up from nine million in September.

The increase in users appears to be driven by a mass migration of individuals moving over from X, who are upset by Musk’s support for Donald Trump and his appointment as co-head of government efficiency by the president-elect. “Bluesky” became a trending search term on X, with users citing the shift as a response to Musk’s conservative views and changes to the platform.

Megan Boler, a professor at the University of Toronto, who studies social media, believes that the U.S. election has served as a motivating force for users who were already considering leaving X. She herself has set up a Bluesky account and plans to switch platforms. Boler notes that there is already a significant level of mistrust towards Elon Musk, and the recent events have only solidified users’ decision to transition to Bluesky.

Users are reportedly splitting along ideological lines, with Bluesky being seen as a friendlier alternative for those with more progressive views. The platform’s decentralized approach gives users more control over the content they see and fosters a less hostile environment for engagement. This shift is reflective of a broader trend of users seeking platforms that align with their values and provide a sense of community.

Bluesky has seen significant growth in recent months, including a spike in users following X’s suspension in Brazil in September. Most of the new users joining Bluesky in the past week are from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., indicating a global appeal for the platform. Emily Liu, a Bluesky spokesperson, highlighted the diverse communities that have joined the platform, ranging from Swifties to sports fans to journalists.

While Bluesky trails behind Meta-owned Threads in terms of user numbers, the platform’s unique features and user-friendly interface have garnered praise from academics and users alike. Seth Lewis, a media expert, notes that Bluesky offers a refreshing alternative to X, free from the toxicity and trolling often experienced on mainstream social media platforms.

As users continue to migrate to Bluesky, questions remain about the impact on journalism and public discourse. While academics have embraced the platform, the presence of key public officials and journalists on X raises concerns about the platform’s continued influence on the conversation. Time will tell whether Bluesky can sustain its momentum and challenge X’s dominance in the social media landscape.

In conclusion, the rise of Bluesky as a viable alternative to X underscores the evolving nature of social media platforms and the growing demand for platforms that prioritize user control and community engagement. As users seek out platforms that align with their values and provide a more positive online experience, Bluesky’s growth signals a shift towards platforms that foster meaningful connections and dialogue.