The migration from Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) to Bluesky marks a significant shift in the social media landscape. X, under Musk’s leadership, became a breeding ground for harassment and hate speech, particularly targeting marginalized groups. This toxic environment, while acknowledged even by its users, persisted due to a lack of viable alternatives. Other platforms like Threads and Mastodon presented their own challenges, leaving many users feeling trapped in a digital dystopia, albeit one with a dark sense of humor. However, the tide began to turn as dissatisfaction with X grew, coinciding with the US election cycle, propelling users towards Bluesky in search of a more positive online experience.
The stark contrast between X and Bluesky is immediately apparent to new arrivals. Bluesky’s prevailing atmosphere of optimism and lightheartedness has surprised many, accustomed to the negativity and vitriol that permeated X. This cultural dissonance highlights the profound impact platform culture can have on user experience. The search for “misery,” “sick jokes,” and “haterism” on Bluesky underscores the learned behaviors and expectations carried over from X, a platform where such negativity was not only commonplace but often expected. This transition period presents a challenge for both new arrivals adjusting to a kinder online environment and long-time Bluesky users concerned about maintaining the platform’s positive culture amidst a large influx of new members.
The story of Bluesky’s evolution is intertwined with the efforts of individuals like Rudy Fraser, a technologist and community organizer who created Blacksky, a custom feed and moderation service designed specifically for Black users. Blacksky represents the latest iteration in a long history of Black online communities, from the early days of NetNoir to the more recent phenomenon of Black Twitter. These online spaces have served as crucial hubs for connection, cultural exchange, and social activism. However, they have also faced challenges, with NetNoir eventually fading and Black Twitter losing its protective shield against harassment under Musk’s ownership. Fraser’s Blacksky aims to learn from these past experiences, prioritizing moderation as a key element in fostering a safe and thriving community.
Fraser’s background in community organizing and mutual aid informs his approach to building Blacksky. His experience with We The People NYC and the development of Papertree, a digital mutual aid tool, have instilled in him a deep understanding of the importance of community-driven solutions. This ethos is reflected in Blacksky’s emphasis on creating a space specifically for Black users, recognizing the unique needs and challenges faced by this community online. Unlike the organically formed Black Twitter, Blacksky offers a more structured approach, acknowledging the need for proactive moderation to prevent the toxicity that plagued its predecessor.
Fraser’s involvement with Bluesky began in its early beta testing phase, drawn to the platform’s decentralized nature and its potential for algorithmic customization. The promise of a self-governing social internet resonated with his own values and experiences in community organizing. The underlying technology of Bluesky, the AT Protocol, offered the possibility of a more democratic and user-centric online experience. This potential, combined with the desire to create a safe and thriving space for the Black community online, motivated Fraser to establish Blacksky.
The emergence of Blacksky on Bluesky signifies a broader shift in how online communities are being built and governed. It represents a move towards more intentional and curated spaces, prioritizing the well-being of its members. The focus on moderation and the explicit focus on a specific community reflects a growing awareness of the need for online spaces that cater to the unique needs and vulnerabilities of different groups. Blacksky’s development and evolution will be a key indicator of whether this model can successfully foster a thriving and positive online community while mitigating the risks of harassment and negativity that have plagued other platforms. The future of social media may well depend on the success of such experiments in community-driven online spaces.
