Social media platforms like Twitter have been disappointing users about how they handle data and moderate content. That is why more people seek alternative platforms prioritizing user control and privacy. Fortunately, former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey launched a rival social network called Bluesky.
Bluesky sets itself apart from competitors by using decentralized networks to enable users to create tailor-made communities. This unique feature empowers people to control the content they see and the groups they join. As a result, more Twitter users are flocking to Dorsey’s more user-friendly and community-oriented platform.
Perhaps your friends are already in Bluesky, and you want to join. That is why I will discuss Bluesky’s membership requirements and features. Soon, similar social networks may overtake Twitter and others as the most widely-used platforms. That is why you must stay tuned, even if you do not want to join Bluesky.
What are the features of Bluesky?
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One of the most glaring features of Bluesky is its ongoing private beta testing phase. You must sign up for the waitlist and get accepted before you make an account.
Head to bsky.app, enter your email address and click the Join Waitlist button. Let’s say you do get accepted. Expect Bluesky to work like Twitter.
It has a What’s Hot, Following, For You, and the Following feed. Also, you may post text and images for other users. However, you cannot send videos or DMs at the time of writing.
Jack Dorsey’s new platform is different from Twitter in numerous ways. As mentioned, it uses decentralized networks powered by the AT Protocol.
The AT stands for Automated Protocol, which allows users to create separate communities instead of forcing themselves under one centralized server. The Bluesky FAQ page describes them as “cities.”
The AI Protocol lets you create a community with rules different from others. Also, you may set your domain as your handle, making verification more efficient than Twitter’s blue checkmarks.
A Blueksy Social blog said, “A newsroom like NPR could set their handle to be @npr.org.” Then, it added, “Journalists that NPR wants to verify could use subdomains to set their handles to @name.npr.org.”
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The decentralized social media platform also has unique moderation methods: automated filtering, manual admin actions, and community labeling. It used the American Civil Liberties Union to explain how it works.
The ACLU could create a “hate-speech” label. Then, users and communities may register this label to flag, filter, mute, or ban its content.
The Bluesky FAQ page admits the app needs more features. Nevertheless, it promises to add them while prioritizing user safety and control.
What’s it like to use Bluesky?
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Jack Dorsey’s new platform continues to gain more users. Bluesky claimed its biggest influx of new users was on April 27, 2023. That Thursday allegedly brought an uptick of up to 100%.
Nowadays, the network is home to many popular people, like model Chrissy Teigan and Twitter comedian Dril. Teigan posted “A/s/l?” on April 28, referring to an early internet chatroom acronym.
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It means “age, sex, and location,” a popular inside joke in Bluesky. The platform also features New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and prominent journalists from CNN and the New York Times.
Most users find the decentralized platform more fun and less mean than Twitter. A user named “em” said, “There’s something so refreshing about scrolling through a feed and seeing posts from accounts you follow that are funny instead of accounts that you don’t follow and think you don’t deserve rights.”
Bluesky is full of people cracking online jokes and sharing quirky memes. More importantly, it does not have the default angry tone common on Twitter. Hopefully, it will stay this way as it becomes more popular.
Conclusion
Bluesky offers a promising alternative to conventional social media networks. Its decentralized approach enables users to control their online experience fully.
They can create groups solely dedicated to specific causes and hobbies. Also, these groups can have different guidelines to suit their members.
Everyone should follow rising innovations like Bluesky to discover better online experiences. Start by following Inquirer Tech for the latest digital tips and trends.
Frequently asked questions about Bluesky
What makes Bluesky different from Twitter?
It uses a decentralized network instead of relying on a centralized server. Unlike Twitter, Bluesky enables people to create groups with different guidelines to suit their members. As a result, people can fully control the people and content they interact with online. It is also more relaxed and fun than Elon Musk’s social network.
How does Bluesky moderate content?
Bluesky handles content with these unique methods: automated filtering, manual admin actions, and community labeling. Users can label specific content, such as “hate-speech.” Then, people and groups may flag, filter, mute, or ban these materials. As a result, people can moderate their groups, streamlining Bluesky’s overall content moderation.
When will Bluesky launch?
Bluesky is going through its private beta testing phase at the time of writing. You must join a waitlist and receive approval before joining the platform. Once approved, expect limited features, such as only sending text and images. Bluesky says it will launch more while prioritizing user privacy and safety.