Elon Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), has seen a significant drop in user engagement following the recent U.S. presidential election. In contrast, the decentralized platform Bluesky—backed by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey—has experienced a surge in new users, signaling a shift in social media dynamics.
A Decline in X’s Popularity
According to reports, over 115,000 U.S. users deactivated their X accounts the day after the election, marking the largest single-day drop since Musk took over the platform. Many users cite concerns over content moderation, political biases, and platform stability as reasons for their departure.
X’s loosening of content restrictions has led to an increase in hate speech, misinformation, and divisive content, according to critics. While Musk has defended his “free speech” approach, many users—especially those who disagree with his policies—have started looking for alternative platforms.
Bluesky’s Meteoric Rise
As users leave X, Bluesky has seen record-breaking growth. In just one week after the election, the platform added over 1 million new users, bringing its total user base to approximately 15 million.
Bluesky’s popularity is driven by its decentralized approach, allowing users to have more control over their feeds. The platform also provides an algorithm-free experience, which many former X users find appealing.
Why Are Users Switching?
Several key factors contribute to the shift from X to Bluesky:
- Content Moderation Issues – Many users feel X has become a haven for disinformation and harmful content, prompting them to seek safer spaces.
- Political Divisions – Musk’s support for Donald Trump and controversial political opinions have alienated some users.
- Bluesky’s Open Model – Unlike X, which is still largely centralized, Bluesky allows users to control their feeds and avoid forced algorithm-driven content.
The Future of Social Media
While X remains a dominant force in social media, the rise of alternative platforms like Bluesky suggests that users are looking for more diverse, user-controlled spaces.
The next few months will be critical in determining whether X can recover or if the social media landscape is permanently shifting toward decentralized alternatives.
