A new social media platform is gaining significant attention, strikingly reminiscent of Twitter at first glance. With similar profile layouts, timelines, and even a comparable color palette, it’s hard not to notice the parallels. This intriguing new contender is Bluesky, founded by none other than Jack Dorsey, co-founder and former CEO of Twitter. However, beneath its familiar appearance, Bluesky distinguishes itself with a groundbreaking approach that has the potential to transform the social media landscape.
What Is Bluesky?
Bluesky entered the scene in February with a closed beta on iOS, recently expanding to Android. Unlike conventional social media platforms, Bluesky utilizes a decentralized network, granting users greater autonomy over their online experience. This structure empowers users to influence how the service operates, manage their data, and moderate content, presenting a fresh level of user control.
While this was initially developed independently of Twitter during Dorsey’s leadership, Twitter provided financial backing until February 2022, when this became an independent entity. The concept was first hinted at in a 2019 tweet from Dorsey, who articulated a vision for an “open community” that would include a variety of stakeholders, including companies, organizations, researchers, and community leaders. He cautioned that the journey toward establishing such an inclusive network would take time.
Dorsey has expressed his regrets about Twitter’s evolution, identifying its transformation into a corporation as his “biggest issue and regret.” He emphasized his belief in decentralized platforms, asserting that such systems should not be owned or controlled by a single entity, whether governmental or corporate.
Why Is Bluesky Gaining Popularity?
Similar to Mastodon, Bluesky has attracted users dissatisfied with recent changes to Twitter under Elon Musk’s leadership. Many long-time Twitter users have felt frustrated by Musk’s controversial decisions, such as revoking verification blue checkmarks from well-known figures. Consequently, a growing number of these users are exploring Bluesky, seeking an alternative social media experience.
This app markets itself as “a new social network for microblogging,” enabling users to share brief updates and follow others, similar to Twitter’s timeline format, albeit with some key differences. Notably, it is currently does not support features like hashtags and direct messaging, which are integral to Twitter’s user experience.
Nonetheless, Bluesky’s decentralized framework is its most significant aspect, offering users enhanced control over their digital environment—a shift that could influence the future trajectory of social media.
Is Bluesky a Permanent Fixture?
The long-term viability of this app remains uncertain. It could either sustain its growth or suffer a decline akin to Mastodon, which experienced a reduction in users after an initial surge of interest. Mark Bartholomew, a professor specializing in online privacy at the University at Buffalo School of Law, views the arrival of Bluesky as a positive development, as it broadens user options and fosters competition that could lead to improved features, including better privacy, portability, and content moderation.
Bartholomew pointed out that many social media users often endure frustrating platform features just to stay connected with the online community. The launch of Bluesky may provide these users with a long-awaited alternative, especially given that Musk’s decisions have effectively “sabotaged his own platform,” paving the way for new competitors like Bluesky.
How to Get Involved with Bluesky?
At this stage, Bluesky is accessible through an invite-only model, allowing it to gradually expand its network. Users currently receive an invite code every two weeks, which can be shared with others. This exclusivity has only intensified the anticipation surrounding joining the platform. As one user humorously remarked on Twitter, “Bluesky invite codes are the new blue check.”
Although still in its formative phase, this app is generating excitement and curiosity, indicating it could significantly influence the social media environment. Whether it will possess the endurance to rival Twitter, in the long run, remains to be seen, but it’s clear that it is providing users with a refreshing perspective on the potential future of social networks.
