5 Unique Features of Bluesky

I joined Bluesky social some weeks ago and here's my summary of 5 unique features of Bluesky social that make it different from other social media platforms in the world. 

In an era dominated by social media giants, a new player has emerged, promising a different kind of experience. Bluesky Social, often referred to as "Twitter without the crap," aims to provide users with a streamlined and user-friendly platform. In this blog post, we will delve into the distinct features that set Bluesky apart from other social media platforms, exploring its open networking protocol, decentralized nature, content control options, and exclusive membership. Here are the features of Bluesky social that make it different from other social media platforms:

1. A Familiar yet Refined User Experience

Bluesky closely resembles Twitter in its appearance and functionality. With a maximum post length of 300 characters, users can express their thoughts concisely and effectively. The platform offers features like liking, replying, and reposting messages, allowing users to engage with the content they find interesting. Bluesky also includes a "What's Hot" feed for trending posts and a "Following" feed to keep up with accounts they follow. However, the current development phase lacks direct messaging capabilities, GIF and video support, and hashtags.

2. A Friendlier Online Community

Bluesky's smaller user base contributes to a more welcoming and inclusive environment. While the platform is still in its early stages, its intimate community fosters positive interactions and meaningful connections. As the editor of Techdirt, Mike Masnick, rightly points out, maintaining a thriving community requires continuous effort. Bluesky's team understands this and is dedicated to upholding a healthy and respectful online space as the platform grows.

3. AT Protocol: Empowering Users with Decentralization

Bluesky operates on a groundbreaking open social networking protocol known as AT Protocol. Similar to Mastodon's use of ActivityPub, this protocol enables the creation of a decentralized social network. In the future, users will have the freedom to set up their own AT-based server, allowing them to control their data and customize their experience. By decentralizing the platform, Bluesky aims to empower users and give them greater agency over their social media presence.

4. Content Control and Moderation

Bluesky recognizes the importance of tailored content and moderation. Although many features are still under development, users can currently personalize their experience by adjusting their content preferences in the settings. This includes the ability to block specific types of content, such as explicit sexual images, political hate groups, or violent/bloody content. While Bluesky takes a proactive approach to removing illegal content, the platform's long-term vision involves shifting moderation responsibilities to the users themselves, ensuring a community-led approach to content control.

5. Exclusive Membership and Invitation-Only Access

Joining Bluesky is not as simple as signing up on other social media platforms. Currently, the platform operates on an invitation-only basis. Prospective users must either join a waitlist or receive an invitation from an existing member. Even existing members are limited to one invite every two weeks they have been on the service. This exclusive membership approach helps maintain the integrity of the platform and ensures a controlled growth trajectory.

CONCLUSION

Bluesky Social distinguishes itself from other social media platforms through its commitment to fostering a friendly and engaging online community. With its resemblance to Twitter's interface, Bluesky offers a sense of familiarity while introducing significant enhancements. The utilization of the AT Protocol and the platform's decentralized nature give users greater control over their data and social media experience. As Bluesky continues to evolve, it aims to create an inclusive and personalized environment where users can connect, share, and engage while avoiding the downsides commonly associated with traditional social media platforms.