Bluesky promises a new era of decentralized social media

Bluesky was founded in 2019 as a response to the growing concerns surrounding the centralization and divisive nature of traditional social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. With a foundational belief that the future of social media should be decentralized, Bluesky seeks to empower users by allowing them to choose custom algorithms for content. This innovative approach is designed to prevent the pitfalls that have previously surfaced on other platforms, such as the proliferation of false information and divisive content. Although Bluesky shares similarities with earlier versions of Twitter, it consciously aims to create a more collaborative and constructive social media environment. To facilitate user engagement, Bluesky's interface encourages individuals to start following accounts, and it features a section called 'popular with friends' that helps users discover new profiles to follow. As users build their networks on the platform, they can explore a variety of curated feeds, enhancing their experience and encouraging authentic interactions. Since Bluesky is still in its early stages, the best strategies for gaining a following include active participation, genuine posting, and collaborating with others already involved in the community. At the same time, Bluesky has reassured its users that it will not leverage their data for generative AI training, allowing for greater privacy and control for individuals in a space that prioritizes user consent.