If you're looking for an alternative to Twitter, look no further than Bluesky Social. This invitation-only app has quickly become the most talked about new social media platform. Technology CEOs, celebrities, politicians and influential social media users have all been congregating on it.
Unlike Twitter, which is run by one person, Bluesky Social is a decentralized service. Its servers are spread across the internet and can talk to each other via a protocol called the AT (Authenticated Transfer) Network. That means the network can grow without having to add more servers. It also gives users more control over what kind of content they see.
The app has only been out for a few days, but already it has gained a reputation as a friendly place to discuss politics and other important issues. The interface looks like a simplified Twitter with the addition of a search bar at the top. You can reply to posts and repost them, and the three dots on a user's profile offers additional options. Bluesky doesn't have any ads yet, but that could change in the future.
As of this writing, Bluesky's main feed has several pages worth of posts. You can filter the feed by topic or by who you follow. You can also create lists to filter out certain kinds of posts. For example, you can create a list to only see political content or a list just for sports.
During its early days, the app has seen Bluesky social an influx of people who feel fed up with Twitter. The influx has led to some controversy, though, with many users reporting being harassed on the site. For example, journalist Matt Yglesia was the target of some serious harassment on Bluesky, including threats of violence, and was eventually banned from the site.
Many of those who are welcoming the app say they're happy to find a safer space online where they can speak their mind. They're also happy that the platform is free to use, which they say sets it apart from Twitter.
Bluesky's creators have big plans for the app in the long term. They want to create a network that's more resilient against government or corporate interference. They're also hoping to make it easy for users to move between different social networks that use the AT protocol.
However, for now, Bluesky's biggest challenge is just attracting enough users to stay relevant. Its growth has been meteoric, but it's still too soon to tell whether the app will be able to sustain itself.
Some people have reported problems using the app, such as slow loading and bugs. Others have complained that it's too difficult to get started. Despite these drawbacks, it's worth checking out the app for yourself if you're frustrated with Twitter and want to try something different. But be careful: It's invite only for a reason. Don't spam it with review bombings just because you can't get in. That kind of behavior is childish.