As Twitter’s user base dwindled, researchers turned to social media alternatives like Mastodon and Threads. However, a new player has emerged in the form of Bluesky, a decentralized standard for social media that was created within Twitter before Elon Musk’s acquisition.
Bluesky gained significant attention in November, surpassing 20 million users, largely driven by word-of-mouth. The platform’s growth is impressive, especially considering it operates from a single server and allows users to host their own servers. However, Bluesky provides an experience similar to traditional social media, which may be a drawback for some.
The decentralized structure of Mastodon has been a barrier to widespread adoption, with many users struggling to find and join specific servers. Meanwhile, Threads, Meta’s microblogging platform, saw significant growth in November but is primarily focused on incorporating features into its existing advertising platform.
Bluesky’s growth raises questions about the future of social media fragmentation. While it may never replace Twitter entirely, the platform offers a viable alternative for those seeking decentralized control over their data and community engagement. As Bluesky continues to grow, it will face similar challenges that Twitter did in the past.
For now, users have multiple options, including Threads, Mastodon, and smaller alternatives. These platforms cater to different communities and priorities, making no single platform ideal for everyone.
Source: https://theconversation.com/bluesky-isnt-the-new-twitter-but-its-resemblance-to-the-old-one-is-drawing-millions-of-new-users-244019