AFPThe apps from X and Bluesky
NOS Nieuws•gisteren, 21:07
Since Donald Trump’s election victory in the US, the social media platform Bluesky has been growing rapidly. In the past 24 hours, it welcomed a whopping one million new users. Many of them no longer feel at home on Elon Musk’s X, because the South African tech and space entrepreneur is said to have used that platform to influence the American elections.
Initially, Bluesky was funded and founded by Twitter itself, led by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey. In 2022, Elon Musk took over Twitter and changed the name to X. Dorsey left the board of the now independent Bluesky earlier this year.
At first glance, the platform is barely distinguishable from Twitter – including a light blue logo – but there are a number of differences. While X’s standard timeline works according to an algorithm, Bluesky’s feed is chronological. This means that a user only sees messages from accounts he follows, with the most recently posted message at the top.
‘The friendly X’
“Extreme sounds receive a lot of attention on News and Co.
“These types of messages are then pumped around by the algorithm, so that even more people see them. You don’t have that problem on Bluesky, for example.” In addition, messages that conflict with the platform’s house rules will be removed.
For these reasons, Bluesky is also called “the friendly X” by some users. “The question is whether it will remain that way if the site becomes very popular,” says De Vreese. “It’s growing very quickly now, so it could be a challenge to moderate that.”
Writer and presenter Özcan Akyol switched to Bluesky because he noticed that messages on
Eus uses Bluesky ‘because the platform is preferable to X’
When Musk bought Twitter, he said he did so partly because the platform had become too political in his view. “But he then turned X into part of the Trump campaign,” De Vreese saw. “So it became more political than ever.”
Musk had the algorithm adjusted to ensure that his own account reaches more people. With that account – which you as an X user can hardly ignore – he regularly shares unfounded conspiracy theories, such as the racist and anti-Semitic population theory.
Musk’s position during the elections was ultimately the final straw for many people to switch.
Claes de Vreese, professor of political communication
In addition, the tone at X also changed after Musk took over. Wrote last January News hour about mounting criticism of the platform. There was hardly any moderation, which meant that users saw a sharp increase in the number of racist and hateful messages. “It is filled with so much muck and negativity, so there was also a search for alternatives,” De Vreese said. The amount of misinformation also appears to have increased.
“Musk’s position during the elections was ultimately the final straw for many people to switch,” said De Vreese. “That has led to a wave that is now spreading around the world.” The platform now has almost 20 million users. Estimates of the number of active users of X vary, but it is certainly hundreds of millions per month.
Unofficial ministry
Musk was highly visible during Trump’s election campaign. He spoke at Trump campaign rallies and handed out millions to Americans who registered to vote. He also filled the Republican campaign coffers with tens of millions of dollars.
The Tesla boss is also expected to play a role during Trump’s presidency. He must lead a kind of unofficial ministry, a service called the Department Of Government Efficiency, abbreviated DOGE, a reference to his cryptocurrency Dogecoin. According to Trump, it is an external organization that must make the government function more efficiently and make it more economical.
Mastodon en Threads
Since X’s acquisition, more tech companies have tried to launch an alternative to Twitter. Well-known examples are Threads – Meta’s social media platform – and Mastodon. These companies also benefit from the many users who no longer feel at home on X.
According to De Vreese, the market is large enough for X and the alternative platforms, but he notes that there is also a danger in “fragmentation”. “If certain groups of people are active on the different platforms, you may ultimately be left with platforms on which everyone agrees with each other. It is a democratic challenge if it falls completely apart. Ultimately, it might perhaps be better if there is one platform with good moderation, but where people with different opinions are active.”
Welcome to the Social Media Circus!
In a world where social media seems to morph faster than my dad after one too many pints, we’ve got a fascinating tale brewing — the rise of Bluesky as the “friendly X!” It’s like hearing that Elvis is back… but with a better hairdo!
Bluesky’s Meteoric Rise
Since the ink dried on Donald Trump’s victory, Bluesky has been the party guest you didn’t invite but who shows up anyway with a million followers! In just 24 hours, it rolled out the welcome mat to a million new users. And why? People are flocking away from Elon Musk’s X like it’s a buffet of conspiracy theories and dodgy memes! Can you blame them? Who wants to get their news from a guy whose head looks like a shrunken space helmet?
Twitter? Never Heard of It!
Let’s get a timeline, shall we? Bluesky was cooked up in the Twitter kitchen under the watchful eye of Jack Dorsey. Then Musk swooped in with his laser eyes and transformed Twitter into X. Apparently, the ‘X’ stands for ‘We’re not quite sure what’s next.’ Dorsey, feeling a bit like a chef kicked out of his own kitchen, decided to leave Bluesky to simmer on its own.
The Great Feed Debate
Now, what’s the difference between X and Bluesky? Picture this — X is like an over-caffeinated DJ spinning records with a match of every conspiracy theory in the corner. Bluesky, on the other hand, serves you a nice cup of tea, delivered in chronological order. You follow your mates, and voilà! The most recent posts bob to the top like your cousin’s awful karaoke rendition at family gatherings. Feels good to be back in order, doesn’t it?
Is Bluesky Really the “Friendly X”?
Users are dubbing Bluesky the “Friendly X.” But let me ask this — can it keep its cool demeanor once it gets popular? A bit like a toddler at a toy store, moderation may just get lost in the shelves of new users.
Critics say that the chaos at X is akin to letting the fox into the chicken coop. Misinformation is reigning and the nasty comments are flying in like a game of dodgeball. Musk’s idea of moderation appears to be a bit more like ‘let’s wing it’ than a structured approach. I mean, who needs rules when you have a platform that redefines playing fast and loose?
“Musk’s position during the elections was ultimately the final straw for many people to switch.”
— Claes de Vreese, professor of political communication
Trump, Musk, and the Mystery of DOGE
Musk wasn’t just a side character in this political film; he was handing out cash like it was candy at a birthday party. Oh, and don’t forget his new gig with Trump — leading the Department Of Government Efficiency (yes, you heard right, DOGE). A ministry named after a dogecoin, because why not?
We’re Not Done Yet!
Looking beyond Bluesky, the tech realm is littered with platforms trying to snatch Twitter’s crown. Mastodon, Threads — they’re all like contestants on a reality show, desperate for a vote. De Vreese hints that while there’s room for all, we might end up in a ‘everything is awesome’ club where no one’s challenged. It’s easier than facing that annoying guy in your comment section!
Conclusion: Where Do We Go From Here?
As Bluesky grows, it must learn to keep its charm even with the flood of new voices. I mean, let’s hope it doesn’t become just another “let’s shout louder than the next guy” platform. Ultimately, a good social media experience requires a balance between freedom of speech and a little bit of good ol’ moderation. Because let’s face it — no one wants to scroll through a feed that feels like the Wild West with no sheriff in sight!
So grab your popcorn! This social media showdown is just beginning, and who knows? Perhaps we’ll take another avenue back to civility, or at least to posts that don’t have more conspiracy theories than my uncle on holiday. Cheers!
Since Donald Trump’s election victory in the US, the social media platform Bluesky has been experiencing an explosive surge in popularity. In a remarkable display of user growth, the platform welcomed an astonishing one million new users within just 24 hours. This influx can be largely attributed to disenchanted users from Elon Musk’s X, who feel increasingly alienated given the claims that Musk has leveraged the platform for political influence in American elections.
Initially, Bluesky was conceived and supported by Twitter, under the direction of co-founder Jack Dorsey. However, after Elon Musk’s controversial acquisition of Twitter and its subsequent rebranding to X in 2022, the social media landscape began to shift. Earlier this year, Dorsey stepped down from his role on the board of what has now become an autonomous Bluesky.
At first glance, Bluesky may seem nearly identical to Twitter; it even boasts a similar light blue logo. However, there are significant structural differences between the two platforms. Unlike X’s algorithm-driven timeline, Bluesky offers a strictly chronological feed, allowing users to see only the posts from accounts they follow, with the latest updates positioned at the top.
‘The friendly X’
As one user expressed, “Extreme sounds receive a lot of attention on News and Co. These types of messages are then pumped around by the algorithm, ensuring they reach a wider audience. You don’t experience that issue on Bluesky.” Moreover, messages that violate the platform’s established guidelines are promptly removed, fostering a more civil discourse.
Consequently, Bluesky has earned the nickname “the friendly X” among its users. However, experts like De Vreese caution, “The question is whether it will remain that way if the site becomes very popular. Its rapid growth poses potential challenges for effective moderation.”
Writer and presenter Özcan Akyol switched to Bluesky, citing a preference for its user-friendly features compared to X. When Musk acquired Twitter, he claimed the platform had become overly politicized. Paradoxically, the platform has morphed into a conduit for political messaging, with De Vreese noting, “But he then turned X into part of the Trump campaign, making it more political than ever.”
Musk manipulated the platform’s algorithm to ensure his tweets achieve maximum visibility. On his account, which commands frequent attention, he disseminates various conspiracy theories, including unfounded narratives that have drawn sharp criticism.
Musk’s overt political engagement during the elections has been described by De Vreese as a tipping point, prompting many users to abandon X in favor of Bluesky. The platform has now gathered nearly 20 million users, while estimates for X’s monthly active users soar into the hundreds of millions.
Unofficial ministry
Musk was increasingly prominent during Trump’s campaign, participating in rallies and investing heavily in voter registration initiatives. He contributed tens of millions of dollars to the Republican campaign coffers, illustrating his significant influence in the political arena.
Additionally, Musk is set to assume a role that has been dubbed an unofficial ministry under Trump’s administration. This initiative, labeled the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), seemingly references his cryptocurrency, Dogecoin. According to Trump, it aims to enhance government functionality and reduce expenditure.
Mastodon en Threads
Since Musk’s takeover of X, several tech companies have introduced their own alternatives to Twitter. Noteworthy among these are Threads, Meta’s social media venture, and Mastodon. These platforms are capitalizing on the growing dissatisfaction among users who no longer feel accepted on X.
De Vreese suggests that while the market can accommodate both X and its alternatives, a concern arises with potential “fragmentation.” He warns, “If particular groups gravitate towards distinct platforms, we may end up with isolated echo chambers where differing viewpoints are silenced. This poses a democratic challenge; it could be more beneficial to have a single platform with robust moderation, where diverse opinions can coexist.”
What features does Bluesky offer to create a more curated social media experience?
Bluesky. As tensions rise and users seek more reliable and less chaotic sources of information, the appeal of Bluesky continues to grow.
A New Era for Social Media
With the emergence of platforms like Bluesky, we might be witnessing the beginning of a new era in social media where users demand a more curated and less volatile experience. The challenge for Bluesky will be to maintain its friendly reputation despite the influx of new users. As De Vreese points out, effective moderation will be critical in ensuring that the platform does not deteriorate into the same chaos that many users fled from on Elon Musk’s X.
Room for All?
As competition heats up with various alternatives attempting to carve out their niche, the real question remains: can these platforms coexist peacefully? Or will fragmentation lead to echo chambers where only the loudest voices dominate? Understanding the balance between user freedom and moderation will determine the direction of these new social media experiences.
In the quest for a platform that can foster diverse opinions while ensuring civility, Bluesky may just be stepping into a leadership role as the “friendly X.” However, the long-term success hinges on its ability to adapt and manage its growing community responsibly. Let’s keep an eye on this social media circus and hope that amidst the clownery, there can still be room for meaningful conversations.
Stay tuned for updates on this evolving landscape, and who knows, maybe we’ll all find our own delightful corners of the online world that feel a little more like home!
