LONDON (The Thursday Times) — Millions are abandoning Elon Musk’s social platform X in favour of Bluesky, a decentralised network that offers a refuge for those disillusioned by recent changes to Musk’s social media empire. Developed by former Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, Bluesky is surging with new users seeking moderation, transparency, and community-based data control. In an active step towards a new digital future, The Thursday Times has also joined Bluesky—and Mastodon—urging readers to follow and engage with its content in these alternative spaces.
Follow The Thursday Times on Bluesky now.
Bluesky’s rising popularity can be attributed to several factors, not least the recent political affiliation of Musk with President-elect Donald Trump. For many users, Musk’s support for Trump has undermined the perceived neutrality of X, which was once a global stage for diverse political views. This alignment has not only alienated many users but has also intensified criticism of X’s evolving identity under Musk’s ownership.
Since acquiring Twitter in 2022, Musk has made drastic changes that many argue have eroded the platform’s integrity. Initially praised for his “free speech” approach, Musk’s radical overhaul of X included cutting nearly 80% of its workforce, which many believe compromised the platform’s moderation capabilities. The cuts have led to a marked increase in unchecked content, allowing a spike in misinformation, hate speech, and bot activity. This erosion of trust has been a significant push factor, compelling users to seek alternative platforms that value community standards.
For The Thursday Times, joining Bluesky and Mastodon aligns with a commitment to connect with readers in spaces that prioritize user agency and responsible data management. The appeal of decentralisation cannot be overstated; it offers users the autonomy to host data independently of corporate servers, fostering a sense of digital empowerment and security. This shift has resonated strongly, especially in a climate where data privacy and content control are paramount concerns. Bluesky’s decentralised model has captured the interest of both individuals and organisations looking for stability and reliability in a shifting social media landscape.
Notably, Google’s treatment of X has reflected these growing concerns, as the search engine giant increasingly prioritises Bluesky over Musk’s platform for reliable information. According to industry analysts, Google’s algorithms have begun to favour Bluesky content, indicating a decline in trust towards X as a credible source. Such a shift has not gone unnoticed, with AI models like ChatGPT also beginning to mirror this preference, suggesting a future where Bluesky could become a preferred resource for factual information.
This migration trend extends beyond Bluesky; Mastodon, another early decentralised competitor, has also witnessed growth as users splinter into smaller, niche networks. Mastodon’s open-source foundation and decentralised structure have made it popular among those desiring a grassroots social experience. The Thursday Times is active on Mastodon as well, recognising the platform’s potential for connecting with tech-savvy audiences who favour an alternative to the increasingly corporatized feel of mainstream social media.
However, this fragmentation of the digital landscape raises new challenges. As users move to Bluesky, Mastodon, and other niche platforms, some worry that social media may become more ideologically divided, creating echo chambers rather than forums for diverse dialogue. This ideological split has been accelerated by the mass departure of left-leaning users from X, leaving behind an audience that some critics argue may skew more politically homogenous. Experts warn that such polarisation could reinforce divisive narratives and weaken the global discourse that social media was initially praised for fostering.
Bluesky’s success, though, is not guaranteed. Despite its current growth, the platform will need to reach a critical mass to sustain long-term viability, especially given its decision to forgo traditional advertising revenue. Bluesky has opted instead to explore paid services, such as custom domains, as a way to generate income while maintaining a user-centric approach. This model, while appealing to users, comes with financial constraints that could challenge Bluesky’s ability to scale at the pace required to rival X’s user base.
Musk’s platform X continues to dominate with daily active users in the hundreds of millions, a far cry from Bluesky’s figures. X’s established user base includes influential journalists, politicians, and industry leaders, which still gives it a significant advantage in terms of reach and visibility. However, Bluesky’s emphasis on community-driven moderation and transparency resonates strongly with a generation increasingly concerned about ethical tech practices.
The Thursday Times’ presence on Bluesky reflects a growing media shift, where traditional outlets explore platforms that foster trust and credibility. Bluesky’s user-first philosophy, paired with a focus on responsible moderation, provides a counterpoint to X’s high-speed content environment, often criticised for prioritising engagement over accuracy. For readers of The Thursday Times, following the publication on Bluesky offers an opportunity to participate in a social network that prioritises thoughtful discourse over sensationalism.
Moreover, Bluesky’s decentralised nature empowers users to own their digital presence, challenging the top-down control that Musk’s platform represents. As a US public benefit corporation, Bluesky is structured to serve the public’s interests rather than shareholder profit. This model positions Bluesky as a unique alternative, one that appeals to users disillusioned with the perceived commercialisation of personal data on platforms like X.
For now, the battle between X and Bluesky reflects a broader cultural conversation about the role of technology in society. Bluesky’s rise represents a push towards platforms that value transparency, moderation, and user empowerment, ideals that Musk’s X appears to have abandoned in its current form. While Bluesky’s future remains uncertain, its rapid growth signals a clear demand for alternatives that respect user agency and foster a safer, more responsible digital environment.
In inviting readers to join The Thursday Times on Bluesky, we encourage active participation in a new social experience that prioritises user integrity and meaningful connections. Bluesky’s growth is a promising development in a world eager for a return to trust-driven social engagement. Follow The Thursday Times on Bluesky to stay connected as we navigate this evolving digital landscape together.