What is BlueSky?
Bluesky is the new kid on the block, and it’s got everyone talking. Essentially, Bluesky is a decentralized version of Twitter that could potentially change the game for social media as we know it. And with big names like Elon Musk, Jack Dorsey, Chrissy Teigen, AOC, and others mentioning it, it’s maybe worth paying attention to.
While not many might care to hear Chrissy Teigen or AOC’s take on an emerging social media platform, it is worthwhile to observe if more celebrities and people are looking at an emerging platform. This is especially true in a time when people have expressed concerns over Twitter. These concerns may legitimate or they might be biased due political leanings, general disdain for Musk, or for other reasons.
While I personally have not seen any drawbacks on the Twitter platform in the post Musk era, I am aware that Twitter has value because of the network and where the people are, is where the value resides.
At the present moment, there are many that still find immense value in Twitter and continue to contribute their thoughts on the platform on regular basis. In my view, many will continue to stick around unless the experience becomes horrible.
I don’t think that people are flocking to BlueSky in droves, and definitely not scrambling to get involved with BlueSky.
Let’s find out more BlueSky, what it is all about, and if you should be on it.
The Origins of BlueSky
Have you ever wondered what the future of social media might look like? Well, BlueSky just might have the answer. In case you haven’t heard, BlueSky was Twitter’s latest project that aimed to create a decentralized platform for social media. That means no more relying on a single company to control all your data and information.
BlueSky was a venture spearheaded by Jack Dorsey when he was the leader at Twitter. The aim of BlueSky was to be “an initiative to transition the social web from platforms to protocols.” People who worked there would be “an early member of a small team developing and driving large-scale adoption of technologies for open and decentralized public conversation.”
That’s a large and compelling goal, especially in a time where millions of conversations take place on social media platforms and have a significant amount of power over the participants on the platform.
So how did this all start? Well, it all began with a tweet from Elon Musk back in 2019. He suggested that Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter, should consider decentralizing the platform. And that’s exactly what they’re doing with BlueSky.
BlueSky Seeks to Be A Decentralized Social Network
The idea behind BlueSky is simple: give users control over their own data while still providing a space for free expression and conversation. It’s an ambitious project, but one that could change the way we think about social media forever.
Again, what does this all mean? Well, right now, Twitter (like most other social media platforms) is centralized, which means that there’s one company that owns everything and has control over how things are run. With Bluesky, however, the idea is to create a network where users can communicate directly with each other without any middlemen getting in the way.
This might not sound like a big deal at first, but when you think about all the issues that have arisen with social media in recent years – from censorship to privacy concerns – it becomes clear why decentralization could be such an important development. Plus, by allowing users more control over their own data and content, Bluesky could help foster a more vibrant and diverse online community.
So if you’re tired of feeling like your online presence is at the mercy of big tech companies, keep an eye on BlueSky. This could be the start of something amazing.
Are Decentralized Social Networks A Novel Idea?
It is important to note here that Twitter’s incubated project (BlueSky) is not the first decentralized social media platform. Several have already come and essentially gone. It is not a novel idea but there is a significant opportunity to have one that does hit critical mass.
A few of these have established decent communities and they are listed below. These innovative apps may or may not be built on blockchain technology, but they all seek to trend toward the aim that users have full control over their data and can enjoy a truly democratic experience.
But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right platform. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top ten alternatives to consider. Let’s take a closer look:
1. Minds – This app is all about freedom of speech and protecting user privacy.
2. Steemit – A blogging and social networking site where users earn cryptocurrency for creating content.
3. Mastodon – An open-source microblogging platform that emphasizes community moderation and decentralization.
4. Diaspora – Similar to Facebook but without ads or corporate surveillance.
5. Gab – A free speech platform that champions individual liberty and fights against censorship.
6. Peepeth – A Twitter-like platform where every action is recorded permanently on the Ethereum blockchain.
7. SocialX – A multi-purpose app that combines messaging, file sharing, and more in one decentralized ecosystem.
8. Sapien – A customizable platform focused on building meaningful communities around shared interests.
9. Aether – A social network and publishing platform
10. Nostr – “Nostr is a protocol, designed for simplicity, that aims to create a censorship-resistant global social network. “
There’s a lot to explore here and so it might be a good idea to check out if these alternatives can also meet your social media needs. If you are interested in moving forward with BlueSky, let us take a look at invites.
BlueSky Invites
Of course, it remains to be seen if Bluesky will actually live up to its hype. But if nothing else, it can certainly enable people to see a different route when it comes to social media and can inspire others to also create compelling decentralized platforms.
If you are interested in learning more about BlueSky, it is best to start getting involved with the protocol today. How can you get involved? You can join over 600,000 people and sign up to obtain an invite. It is best to find someone who already has been on the platform and is a regular user if you want to have a chance of interacting with the platform sooner than later.
BlueSky is present on Android and iOS.
If you want to help build the platform, then it is a fantastic idea to apply for a position at the emerging entity.
