Escape From Planet X
- theelmsw
- Jan 19
- 2 min read
During the 2024 campaign cycle I found myself seeking Twitter - I mean "X" - alternatives, with BlueSky Social emerging as my home of choice. Twitter is Dead. Long Live BlueSky!
What was once a vibrant "town square" since Elon Musk's acquisition in 2022 has, for me, devolved into a cesspool rife with unchecked toxicity. The removal of robust content moderation and fact-checking mechanisms has led to an influx of extremist propaganda, violent video clips, and demonstrably false information from influencers appearing in my "For You" feed. It's been hard to leave Twitter, but Twitter left me two years ago.
This shift hasn't just affected user experience; it's had significant financial implications. Recent data suggests that X's revenue has plummeted, with U.S. earnings in Q2 2024 showing a 53% decline from the previous year. The platform's struggle to maintain advertiser relationships and boost subscription numbers has left its financial future uncertain -- hooray for economic justice.
The Rise of BlueSky Social
In response to these changes, I have joined the people I followed on Twitter who migrated to BlueSky Social. This platform offers a refreshing return to a more curated news feed experience, reminiscent of Twitter's earlier days. However, it's not quite the same. The mobile experience needs tweaking, I'm struggling to rebuild with independent journalists, and I'm beginning to encounter trolls. I suppose like germs, they are everywhere.
The Broader Implications
The current state of social media raises alarming questions about the future of online communities and conversations. Sarah Gancher's play "Russian Troll Farm," presented as a workplace comedy, now serves as a chilling reflection of our reality. It underscores the profound impact of disinformation on an unprepared population. Like smallpox. Or polio. The announcement that Facebook will also scale back its fact-checking efforts is another disappointing turn. As major platforms retreat from content verification, it's harder to pretend we're not living in a post-truth era.
Looking Forward
Can we agree to stay vigilant, discerning consumers of information? While platforms like BlueSky offer a temporary respite, the broader issues of the normaization of misinformation and the need for responsible content moderation remain with us. The financial struggles of X may not matter to Musk, as long as he has a tool to warp the perceptions of the masses. That makes our role as social media users increasingly important. Together we can seek out and amplify reliable sources, support platforms that prioritize truth and user safety, and demand accountability from social media companies. The journey from Twitter to BlueSky is just one step in the resistance.
Comments