With Donald Trump’s recent election as U.S. president, social media is at a pivotal juncture. Users are fleeing platforms like Twitter—driven by algorithmic control, centralised ownership, and politically charged atmospheres. Enter Bluesky: a platform offering transparency, control, and user empowerment.

Bluesky aims to put power back into users' hands. As more people escape traditional social media monopolies, Bluesky is gaining momentum as a fairer alternative. Recent studies highlight the need for safer social media environments, noting that toxic interactions on platforms like Twitter deepen polarisation. Consequently, journalists and serious news organisations like The Guardian are abandoning Twitter for platforms that align with their values.

Key Features of Bluesky

Bluesky's open-source algorithm gives users control over their experience. Feeds are curated content streams based on user interests, which users can create themselves, making it easier to discover and connect with topics that matter to them. For instance, I created a Feed to highlight supply chain-related posts on Bluesky—check it out here. And renowned climate scientist and communicator Katherine Hayhoe's Climate Science, Impacts, and Solutions Feed is another great example of user-curated content.

Bluesky also runs on a federated network, avoiding centralised control. Users can set up their own servers, ensuring freedom and resilience against manipulation. This model makes Bluesky un-buyable—no single entity can change its trajectory. Unlike ad-driven platforms, Bluesky operates as a Public Benefit LLC (PBLLC), focusing on public good over profit. There are no advertisements or targeted tracking—user experience is the priority.

Bluesky vs. Twitter

I joined Twitter in 2007. I loved the platform and used it extensively, making friends and contacts while discovering and sharing content. Watching what has happened to Twitter over the last two years since Elon Musk took over has been horrifying.

I've tried Threads, Mastodon, and Bluesky, but Bluesky stands out with the greatest potential to replace—and even surpass—Twitter. Bluesky’s careful design, emphasis on user empowerment, and resilience against centralised control set it apart.

When I recently returned to Bluesky, I discovered Starter Packs. These are curated lists of recommended accounts around specific topics, making it easy for new users to get started and for communities to grow. Anyone can create Starter Packs (here is one I created of Climate Podcasters on Bluesky), which means there are endless possibilities for connecting with others who share your interests. They were a revelation for me. I quickly found and followed people with shared interests, and my feed suddenly came alive with engaging conversations. People started following me back, and that’s when Bluesky really clicked for me.

Since Musk’s takeover of Twitter, the platform has seen a severe decline in trust and usability. Users are disillusioned by the rise in hate speech, political weaponisation, and the suppression of critical topics such as climate change. Content moderation has become inconsistent, while erratic leadership decisions have resulted in abrupt verification changes and the introduction of paywalls for previously free features. Twitter’s opaque algorithm amplifies sensationalism and divisive content, turning the platform into a toxic environment that many now describe as a 'hellscape.'

In contrast, Bluesky offers a decentralised model that prevents any one person from controlling the platform. Users enjoy external media freedom, with the ability to link longer video clips via external players, and no link suppression, meaning crucial information can be shared without restrictions. Community input drives Bluesky’s user-centric development, focusing on transparency, user control, and safety.

This all goes a long way to explaining the chart below from the Financial Times showing the recent rise in the use of Bluesky, while people are abandoning Twitter.

Bluesky vs. Threads and Mastodon

Bluesky offers distinct advantages over Meta’s Threads and Mastodon:

Compared to Threads, Bluesky stands out with its open algorithms. The transparency allows users to understand and control how content is prioritised, unlike Threads' opaque system. Users also benefit from user-controlled feeds, allowing for more autonomy in content curation.

Bluesky’s decentralised network provides more user ownership compared to Meta's centralised ecosystem. As a PBLLC, Bluesky prioritises user privacy, whereas Threads is part of Meta, a company often criticised for its data privacy practices.

When it comes to Mastodon, Bluesky has been more successful in driving adoption due to its user-friendly interface and higher engagement rates. Mastodon's complexity and fragmented nature have been barriers to entry for many users, while Bluesky offers a more streamlined experience. Features like Starter Packs and user-curated Feeds make it easy for users to dive into relevant content and quickly build community engagement. These aspects make Bluesky accessible for new users while still providing depth for those seeking richer engagement.

Bluesky's Safety and User Empowerment Features

Bluesky goes beyond traditional platforms with its comprehensive safety and empowerment features. Users have multiple tools at their disposal to create a respectful and user-controlled environment. For instance, Bluesky offers user-driven reporting, where content violations are reviewed by both human moderators and automated systems, ensuring a fair evaluation process. Users can also create moderation lists to block or mute accounts, collaboratively shaping a cleaner feed.

The platform encourages self-labeling of posts, particularly those containing sensitive content, promoting responsible sharing. Reply controls further enhance user empowerment by allowing authors to decide who can respond to their posts.

Another important feature is the Nuclear Block, which completely severs connections between users, ensuring that blocked individuals cannot view posts even if they are quoted elsewhere. This, combined with the ability to mute specific words or phrases, allows users to curate a comfortable digital experience.

Automated moderation tools also play a role, flagging potentially harmful content for review, while preferences can be synced across devices to ensure a consistent experience. Bluesky’s focus on decentralisation, safety, and user empowerment truly allows people to shape their digital experience—a stark contrast to platforms like Twitter and Threads, where control is often limited or obscured.

Join the Movement

Bluesky is growing fast. Explore Starter Packs, find your community, and watch real-time growth here: Live User Count.

If you want an experience where you control the narrative rather than being shaped by algorithms, join Bluesky. Together, we can create a better way to engage.

Check it out, bring your curiosity, and join the change.

And don't forget to follow me on Bluesky here.

This article was first published on TomRaftery.com

By Tom Raftery

Keywords: Open Source, Social, Sustainability