Is Bluesky Better than Twitter?

Bluesky is a microblogging social media platform that has positioned itself as one of the main alternatives to X, previously known as Twitter. It was founded in 2019 with the aim of exploring new ways to build social networks that are more open, equitable and less dependent on centralized structures. Its development has been led by Jack Dorsey, co-founder and former CEO of Twitter. This fact has garnered Bluesky a great deal of media attention.

The platform is based on a protocol called AT Protocol (Authenticated Transfer Protocol) which allows users and developers to have greater control over how data, interactions and recommendation algorithms are managed. This differentiates it from traditional social networks, where a single company has full control of the platform and the information.

Learn more about the importance of security on platforms such as X with our article asking what happens if I block someone on Twitter?

Bluesky is designed to offer a more open and transparent alternative to centralized social networks. As a microblogging platform, it allows users to carry out some of the following actions:

• Sharing ideas and opinions: as with other social networks, Bluesky allows users to express their thoughts in short messages. Similar to how messages on X are known as ‘tweets’, messages on Bluesky are known as ‘skies’.
• Connect with other users: users can follow other profiles, create communities and participate in conversations.
• Consume content: Bluesky offers a chronological feed where users can see posts from people they follow.
• Discover new ideas: through personalized hashtags and algorithms, users can find content relevant to their own specific interests.

Bluesky works in a similar way to other social networks, but with some key differences. Perhaps the most significant is the fact that it operates under the decentralized AT protocol. This helps us to know how Bluesky works compared to other microblogging and social media sites:

• Decentralized Protocol: unlike X which relies on a single platform, Bluesky is built on an open protocol that allows different developers to create their own applications and services. This promotes greater diversity and censorship resistance.
• Customizable algorithms: Bluesky allows users to choose how content is ranked and presented, avoiding the imposition of opaque algorithms that can impact user experience.
• Community focus: seeks to foster a more open and collaborative community, where users have a greater voice in decision-making.
• Portable identities: users can maintain their identity and trackers even if they decide to change service providers within the network. This means they are not tied to a single platform.

To start using Bluesky, users must register on the platform and create a profile. From there, they can post content, interact with other users and explore the customization options it offers.

Whether X or Bluesky is your preferred platform will depend on your own personal preferences. Some may prefer having the algorithm dictate everything they consume, but various studies have shown this can have a detrimental effect on well-being^[1]. While Bluesky is not invulnerable to this problem, its customization and decentralization can help to mitigate this issue.

Under the direction of Elon Musk, X has implemented significant changes in its operation. This has put off many users who have subsequently sought suitable alternatives. Bluesky has emerged as one of the most attractive options and we consider Bluesky to be better than Twitter for several reasons:

• Concerns about centralization: many X users have expressed concerns about the platform’s increasing centralization and changes to its content policy. Bluesky offers a more decentralized and open alternative.
• Greater control for users: while in X the algorithms and moderation policies are decided by the company, in Bluesky users have an active role in defining their experience.
• Privacy and security: Bluesky offers greater protection of personal data, something that is increasingly a concern for users of traditional social networks.
• Seeking a more welcoming community: some users have found the Bluesky community to be more welcoming and less toxic than other platforms.
• Innovation: Bluesky is constantly evolving and experimenting with new features, making it a dynamic and engaging platform for users.

Now that you know what Bluesky is and how it compares to Twitter, you may want to learn more about social media with our articles asking what is Snapchat dysmorphia and who can see your WhatsApp status?

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