New Directions in Microblogging: Exploring Alternatives to Twitter
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Chapter 1: The Shift from Twitter
It has been a year since Elon Musk made headlines by acquiring Twitter for $44 billion, an event that surprised both him and the world at large. This past year has seen Twitter, now rebranded as X, undergo numerous changes, most of which have been quite negative. Musk dismissed a large portion of the workforce, altered the verification system that helped users identify credible sources, amplified his own visibility, restricted access to content from competitors or critics, and contributed to the spread of misinformation. The platform's performance metrics have plummeted, with a significant decline in users, revenue, and advertising since Musk's takeover.
The reality is that Twitter's current state is dire, and it may continue to deteriorate. Are you still using it? If so, you might want to reconsider your presence there. Fortunately, over the past year, several alternative microblogging platforms have emerged, presenting a few viable options. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of these new contenders.
Section 1.1: Engaging with Bluesky
Bluesky was born from an initiative led by Jack Dorsey, Twitter’s former CEO, who envisioned a decentralized social network reminiscent of Twitter but with a focus on openness. Operating as a "public benefit corporation," its mission is to foster positive social outcomes rather than solely profit.
Here’s the scoop on Bluesky: it's impressive but still relatively small. Currently in beta, the platform requires either an invite code from a current user or a position on a waitlist to join. I found myself on the waitlist for several months, almost forgetting about Bluesky until I received my invitation.
As of now, Bluesky has around one million users. The team behind the platform seems committed to gradual, sustainable growth; however, there’s a risk that they might remain too small for too long, potentially missing out on users fleeing from Twitter. Interestingly, many users appreciate the platform's smaller community and worry that as it grows, it might attract the toxicity seen on Twitter.
On Twitter, I used to follow numerous academics, primarily in history and political science, as well as educators and journalists. Most of these academics have migrated to Bluesky. The site features a valuable "feeds" function that allows users to follow curated topics such as History, Education, and Climate.
What stands out about Bluesky is its atmosphere. It feels lively, spontaneous, and conversational. Many of the wittiest and most insightful individuals I previously followed on Twitter have found their way there. Moreover, users on Bluesky seem genuinely interested in engaging with one another. While larger platforms may serve as megaphones for broadcasting, Bluesky comes closest to being a genuine social network—a space for meaningful connections and discussions.
In my experience, Bluesky is the most enjoyable of the Twitter alternatives, and it’s where I spend the most time if I want to connect with others.
The first video discusses the unexpected emergence of Twitter replacements, exploring the nuances of current platforms.
Section 1.2: Broadcasting on Threads
If you're looking to amplify your voice rather than engage in a slow-growing network, Threads might be the solution. Operated by Meta, which also manages Facebook and Instagram, Threads boasts extensive resources and a vast user base. Launched just a few months ago in July, it already has significantly more users than Bluesky.
While Meta’s involvement has its perks, it also presents challenges. Mark Zuckerberg is likely to profit from Threads by leveraging user attention for advertising, leading to potential issues similar to those faced on other Meta platforms.
However, in my experience, Threads lacks excitement. A significant number of users seem to be journalists and other professionals aiming to reach large audiences, making it feel less dynamic compared to Bluesky. Finding engaging content has been a challenge, with complaints arising about Threads favoring accounts with larger followings.
While I see Threads as potentially beneficial, it currently lacks the enjoyment factor. It may attract a vast audience, especially if Twitter continues its downward spiral, but it’s shaping up to be more of a broadcasting tool than a community.
The second video examines the growth of Mastodon and Post News as potential replacements for Twitter, discussing their features and user engagement.
Chapter 2: Embracing Diversity with Mastodon
Mastodon embodies the concept of decentralized, nonprofit microblogging. It’s a platform free from corporate agendas aimed at maximizing engagement or persuading users to make unnecessary purchases. Here, users set up their networks to communicate directly.
Yet, this decentralized nature also presents challenges. Mastodon comprises various servers, each with its own unique rules and culture, which can make the experience somewhat disjointed. It tends to attract a tech-savvy audience, often with strong opinions about software and technology.
I was quite active on Mastodon for a period, but my engagement has waned recently. Anecdotal evidence suggests that many who joined following Musk's takeover of Twitter are finding Mastodon less vibrant than it was six months ago. Those who remain are often deeply committed to its open-source principles.
If you're eager to explore technology and engage in discussions about social media standards, Mastodon may be your ideal platform. However, be prepared for a steeper learning curve and some friction, which can be beneficial in fostering a more thoughtful online environment.
Chapter 3: Questioning the Need for Social Media
Ultimately, the pressing question remains: do we really want to replace Twitter with another social platform? Even at its peak, Twitter was a chaotic blend of humor, information, controversy, annoyance, and addiction. After Musk's takeover, I happily left Twitter behind, redistributing the time I once spent scrolling through tweets to reading more cohesive sources like newsletters and books.
Recently, however, I’ve found myself visiting Bluesky more frequently. It offers a similarly chaotic yet engaging experience without the manipulative tactics I associated with Twitter. Still, I grapple with the question of whether microblogging is something I genuinely want in my life. While I want to maintain a presence to attract readers to my work, I ponder whether it's a productive use of my time, given that I already engage in extensive macroblogging.
This internal conflict resonates with me, especially after reading Douglas Rushkoff's reflections on his departure from social media. Perhaps the most suitable alternative to Twitter is to invest time in reading, engaging in real-world social interactions, or simply enjoying moments with my dog.
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