Bluesky Surges to 15 Million Users Amid User Exodus from X After US Elections

Since the US presidential election, Bluesky has gained over one million users, increasing its total to more than 15 million. This spike reflects discontent with X, which has lost significant users due to dissatisfaction with the content under Elon Musk. Prominent figures and media outlets have criticized X, leading to a notable shift in user preferences towards Bluesky.

Bluesky, the micro-blogging platform initiated by Twitter’s co-founder Jack Dorsey in 2019, has seen a significant surge in users, gaining over one million new accounts since the recent US presidential election. The platform’s user base has expanded from nine million in September to more than 15 million. This growth can be attributed to an increasing number of individuals migrating away from X, a platform facing dissatisfaction under Elon Musk’s ownership, particularly due to its perceived political biases and rise in negative content. The platform has positioned itself as an appealing alternative for left-leaning users disenchanted with X’s direction. Numerous Bluesky users have publicly articulated their reasons for joining, citing Musk’s connection with President-elect Donald Trump and the escalation of offensive material on X. High-profile voices, including billionaire Mark Cuban, have echoed sentiments of fostering a “Less Hateful World” as they transitioned to Bluesky. On the other hand, The Guardian has ceased posting on X, denouncing it as a toxic platform plagued by hate speech and conspiracy theories, suggesting a fundamental shift in media engagement on social media. Indeed, since Musk’s acquisition of X in October 2022, the platform has encountered recurring user departures. Notably, 115,000 users in the United States deactivated their accounts the day following the election, marking the most significant single-day exodus under Musk’s leadership. Despite maintaining a larger user base than Bluesky, X is actively losing users dissatisfied with its current state.

The rise of Bluesky coincides with a notable shift among social media users displeased with the content and governance of X, particularly under Elon Musk’s control. The dissatisfaction has not only been vocalized by common users but also by prominent media entities and public figures. This exodus reflects broader concerns regarding hateful content, political affiliations, and the impact of social media on political discourse, making it pivotal to examine the dynamics within these platforms amid changing user sentiments.

In summary, Bluesky’s user growth following the recent US elections illustrates a significant trend of migration among users discontent with X’s management under Elon Musk. The criticisms levied against X for its handling of content and political affiliation underscore a critical evaluation of social media spaces. As Bluesky continues to attract users seeking a more favorable online environment, the comparative losses experienced by X may prompt further scrutiny regarding its direction and policies.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com