In a significant shift, X has officially altered its blocking feature, creating a wave of concern among users. The new policy means that blocking someone only prevents interaction with posts but allows blocked users to continue viewing content. This change has resulted in a notable exodus from the platform, as many users are seeking alternatives.
The update has sparked backlash from many quarters, including supporters of Elon Musk. Critics are voicing concerns over user safety as this alteration undermines the original intent of blocking, which was to provide a refuge from unwanted engagement.
Bluesky Sees Rapid User Growth
In the wake of X’s announcement, the alternative platform Bluesky reported a substantial influx of users, gaining half a million in just 24 hours. This surge solidifies Bluesky’s position as one of the most successful competitors in the micro-blogging space, trailing only X and Meta’s Threads.
Bluesky distinguishes itself as a public benefit corporation, emphasizing its commitment to decentralized social media. Following the update from X, Bluesky celebrated, stating, “welcome to the 100k+ people who have joined Bluesky in the last 12 hours!!!” showcasing the platform’s swift appeal.
As interest in Bluesky grows, it continues to capitalize on the shifting sentiments among users frustrated with X’s policies. Recent history has shown that alterations in X’s operations have often led to significant user migrations. For instance, when X was banned in Brazil over regulatory issues, Bluesky experienced a remarkable surge of 3 million new users within one week.
With Bluesky now surpassing 11 million users, the ongoing developments at X will be crucial in determining whether this trend continues and how it influences the social media landscape.
