Following this month’s election, over 115,000 users deactivated their accounts on X, a social media platform owned by Elon Musk. This significant exodus was accompanied by a 500% surge in daily usage on Bluesky, a platform similar to Twitter created by the former CEO of Twitter. According to communications professor Jason Mollica, users may have been frustrated with the content on X, with the election serving as the final straw for many.
Politicians, primarily Democrats, have also begun to shift towards Bluesky, with some discontinuing the use of their X accounts. State Sen. Rachel May cited the lack of monitoring for hate speech on X as a reason for her departure from the platform. However, Mollica suggests that politicians should maintain a presence on both X and Bluesky to effectively engage with a broader audience.
May emphasized the importance of communication, even with those who may not share her political views. She expressed a desire to increase direct interactions with constituents in the upcoming session, regardless of the platform used. Mollica echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for politicians to engage with a diverse range of people.
As users and politicians continue to navigate the evolving social media landscape, the shift towards platforms like Bluesky suggests a growing discontent with existing platforms like X. The emphasis on communication and engagement with constituents remains a key priority for politicians seeking to connect with their audience.
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