Journalists find refuge and higher engagement on Bluesky compared to X

In recent months, many journalists and other users have begun migrating to Bluesky, a social media platform that has emerged as a favorable alternative to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, especially following Elon Musk's acquisition of X. Ashton Pittman, a notable journalist from Mississippi, noted that the number of Mississippi journalists on Bluesky has grown from himself to at least 15 others, highlighting its increasing popularity among the media community. In comparison to their experiences on X, users have reported vastly improved audience engagement on Bluesky, with Pittman stating that his outlet, the Mississippi Free Press, garnered more followers and greater interaction on the new platform. For instance, he observed that identical posts perform far better on Bluesky, achieving up to 20 times more engagement than on X. The transformation of X has been marked by an increase in hate speech and a toxic environment that has pushed many users away. Reports indicate that since Musk's takeover, there has been a growing sentiment among journalists and content creators that their posts are being suppressed, particularly those with links to external content. This suppression has notably affected their ability to reach engaged readers and has generated a sense of frustration within the community. By contrast, Bluesky is praised for its open nature, where links are not de-promoted, allowing users to freely share content and engage with their audience effectively, leading to significant traffic boosts for media outlets. The demographic of Bluesky users appears to represent individuals disenchanted with the current state of X. Many users, including journalists Erin Reed and Talia Lavin, have expressed that Bluesky offers a refreshing environment free from the extreme toxicity and harassment that has become commonplace on X. They've noted that the platform fosters meaningful conversations and allows them to connect more effectively with audiences, ultimately contributing to their professional success. As the platform grows, reporters are not only finding an engaged audience but also receiving valuable feedback and tips for their reporting work. The broader implications of this shift reveal that Bluesky may represent a new direction for journalism and social media interaction. With reports of successful fundraising efforts by various groups on Bluesky, compared to difficulty in achieving similar results on X, the new platform is establishing itself as a viable space for communication and engagement in a more positive social media landscape. This environment contrasts sharply with the growing frustrations experienced by many users on X, affirming Bluesky's role as a potential refuge for those disillusioned by the current state of social media.