Chapter 1: The Shift from Twitter to Bluesky

Bluesky Social has emerged as an intriguing, invitation-only competitor to the beleaguered social media behemoth formerly known as Twitter.

Image Source: Sam Schooler via Unsplash

Last October marked a significant turning point for Twitter. What once felt like the chaotic yet entertaining antics of a close friend transformed into an overwhelming cesspool of negativity. Many users, myself included, began to question how long the once-popular platform could sustain itself amidst such turmoil. Following Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter—now rebranded as X—the situation has only deteriorated, prompting countless users to seek new social media havens.

Amidst a sea of lackluster alternatives, Bluesky Social captured my attention due to its exclusive invite-only status. Fortunately, a generous friend provided me an invite a few months back, and I’ve been exploring the app ever since. Currently in its beta phase, Bluesky presents itself as a credible alternative to Twitter, featuring a user experience that closely mirrors its predecessor. The developers are not only quick to roll out necessary features, but they also engage actively with users.

Image Source: Bluesky Social user LoveFromRonni

It’s astonishing how a poorly executed acquisition could transform a once-vital platform for real-time news into a subpar echo chamber for extremist views. The excitement I once felt when opening Twitter has been replaced by anxiety about what I might encounter, especially given the lax moderation that has allowed previously banned accounts to reemerge.

The stringent verification process that Twitter once upheld has now been discarded, replaced by a pay-to-play model where anyone can claim a blue checkmark for a mere $11 a month. This has led to the dilution of credibility for verified accounts and institutions, turning the verification system into a farce. Adding insult to injury, the platform is now attempting to boost X Premium subscriptions by restricting the number of tweets users can view.

But let’s shift our focus back to Bluesky, where the atmosphere feels refreshingly lively. The platform is a haven for quirky users, filled with cat pictures, spirited discussions, and a commitment to combating hate speech. Despite some controversies over moderation, Bluesky has largely succeeded in fostering a healthier online environment. The app's approach to terminology has sparked debate, but overall, it seems to be navigating these challenges with greater sensitivity than its predecessor.

Watching the development of Bluesky is fascinating, especially as its creators appear responsive to user feedback. Unlike earlier platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and even MySpace, which prioritized profit over user experience, Bluesky seems to be charting a different course.

As I spend less time on X, where most of my posts are scheduled, I find myself torn. Despite my desire to leave Twitter behind, I remain connected to some of my favorite online acquaintances, keeping me tethered to the platform. Meanwhile, I continue to enjoy my experience on Bluesky.

Are you considering joining Bluesky? If you need an invite, feel free to respond to this article!

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Chapter 2: Videos Worth Watching

In this section, we'll explore insightful videos that delve deeper into the dynamics of Bluesky Social.

Bluesky: The Next 'Next Twitter' - This video discusses the potential of Bluesky as a viable alternative to Twitter and what it brings to the table.

Bluesky won't replace Twitter or Mastodon anytime soon… - This video examines the current standing of Bluesky in relation to other social media platforms, providing an insightful analysis of its future prospects.