Tag: Bluesky

  • X’s Altmetric Hegemony Ceding to Bluesky

    X’s Altmetric Hegemony Ceding to Bluesky

    The end of the “hegemony” of X as the most used social media platform by researchers has been strongly shaped by political and geographic factors, as well as Elon Musk’s intervention into U.S. politics, according to a new study.

    Since Musk rebranded Twitter to X, many within higher education—including some universities themselves—have decided to leave the platform, particularly since the billionaire threw his support behind Donald Trump in the 2024 U.S. election.

    Researchers from Arizona State University and the University of Granada examined almost 15,000 publications from multidisciplinary and Library and Information Science journals between January 2024 and March 2025.

    Across the whole period, Bluesky had a much smaller presence compared with X in terms of engaged users—those who comment on papers.

    However, the paper found a “notable increase” in Bluesky accounts mentioning papers published in multidisciplinary journals in November 2024, which the paper said was likely influenced by political and platform change.

    “We observe a clear surge in mentions beginning in September 2024 and continuing into early 2025, particularly around the United States presidential election and subsequent political events.”

    The shift in users and increasing diversification between the two platforms, particularly from late 2024 onward, coincided with “major U.S. political events in which Elon Musk has actively intervened.”

    After successfully helping Trump win the battle for the White House, Musk was appointed head of the Department of Government Efficiency—an organization that slashed federal contracts and found few friends within the scientific community.

    The study says the results reveal a scholarly landscape where conversations are no longer concentrated on a single platform, but are now “genuinely distributed between X and Bluesky.”

    “This reflects that the response to platform changes is not only field-dependent, but also strongly shaped by political-geographical factors.”

    The study comes after a recent analysis by Andy Tattersall, an information specialist at the Sheffield Centre of Health and Related Research, found a third of U.K. universities have now quit X. While the number of active accounts on Bluesky has risen, however, many institutions are still not posting regularly.

    Altmetric, which collates mentions of publications from news sources, blogs and social media, has been tracking Bluesky, which was originally created by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, since October 2024.

    A previous study revealed that Bluesky hosted more posts linked to work published in 2025 for the first time in March—declaring, “The days of X’s dominance are over.”

    The new paper reached a similar conclusion, adding, “What is clear is that the Altmetric hegemony of X may have come to an end, as for the first time there is a clear alternative in Bluesky, which even matches user engagement in ways that would have seemed unthinkable until recently.

    “Only time will tell how effective and lasting this platform shift truly is.”

    It says further research was needed to learn why Bluesky has succeeded where other alternatives—such as Threads or Mastodon—did not.

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  • The Sky Is The 300 Character Limit: Bluesky

    The Sky Is The 300 Character Limit: Bluesky

    In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, platforms rise and fall as quickly as trends shift. Twitter, now known as X, has undergone significant changes, from its approach to verified accounts and content insights to the way it handles ad space. This volatility has paved way for competitors to emerge, and among them, Threads, but now Bluesky is rapidly gaining traction in the digital atmosphere.

    Recently surpassing 15 million users, Bluesky has positioned itself as a serious contender in the micro-blogging arena, offering users a fresh take on short-form content, photo sharing, video creation, and community-based content. 

    What is Bluesky?

    Bluesky is the first app to dethrone Twitter at the top of app store charts. Founded in 2019 by former Twitter employees, it was initially developed to complement the platform we all know but has since carved out its own identity. After operating on an invite-only basis through 2023, Bluesky is now fully open to the public. This was vital to the growth of the platform, as they attempted to appeal to users wanting to “flee” Twitter/X for a different space to share insights or cat memes.  

    At its core, Bluesky focuses on community-driven sharing, allowing users to interact in familiar ways—through likes, replies, reposts, and follows.

    The Advertising-Free Zone

    Currently, Bluesky operates without any advertising, offering a purely organic experience for its users. While this will likely change in the future, the ad-free environment has contributed to its appeal among users seeking a more authentic and less commercialized space. Users want a space where they can gather information or converse without the never-ending interruption ads that have come to populate X and other platforms. Users know ads will eventually be introduced, but the joy of new social platforms is how authentic and organic the space feels. It is a way to build authentic and personal connections in a completely curated feed, which is what users are looking for in a new space.  

    Unique Features That Set Bluesky Apart

    The most revolutionary feature is Bluesky’s decentralized model. Users can host their servers, storing data independently and setting their own rules, much like the structure of Discord. Here are a few of the other Bluesky features that make the platform stand out for many users:  

    • Content Detachment: Unlike other platforms, users can detach their accounts from content when it is reshared or quoted by others, giving them greater control over their posts. 
    • Zero Tolerance for Hate Speech: The platform is committed to fostering a safe environment, with a dedicated team actively monitoring content for hate or extremist behavior. 
    • Greater Control: BlueSky offers users the ability to control their feeds, and even manage multiple streams of content. Users can set up custom feeds or join public feeds tailored to topics of their choosing.  

    Additionally, Bluesky allows users to create unique domain-based handles (e.g., @username.sky), providing a distinctive identity for individuals and organizations alike. Universities could use .edu handles to strengthen their community presence and allow outsiders to know instantly where the server will focus.  

    Threads or Bluesky: Which Platform Should You Choose? 

    Both. It would help if you grabbed those handles when you can. Even if you don’t plan to post right away, it is a good plan of action to have them in your marketing department’s back pocket. You want to avoid becoming part of those challenges where others have your user and will make you purchase it. Think about the efforts you wish to make. What is the University’s voice for this style of media? Do you want to share updates and insights or try the latest catchphrases to meet your students? It could be a combination of all of this and figuring it out, seeing how your students interact, and making content to fit their needs. Threads right now does provide more insight, but it has yet to find it’s right footing within the world of short text. Bluesky seems to be excelling on that front.  

    What Does Bluesky Mean for Universities? 

    Bluesky’s rise signals a shift in how people want to consume media. Twitter/X has faced criticism for its unpredictable algorithms, ad policies, and evolving identity. In contrast, Bluesky promises a return to chronological timelines, community-building, and user-driven experiences. It is saying all the right words to users, and it will be interesting to see if it can keep its promises.  

    For universities and brands, this is a chance to establish a presence on a platform designed for engagement and conversation. Early adoption could secure valuable handles and position organizations to connect with students, parents, alums, and stakeholders in a more meaningful way. Bluesky’s community-first approach means content should be both informative and approachable, bridging gaps and fostering connections. Universities, for example, could use the platform to quickly share updates, create dialogues, and build a sense of belonging among their audiences. 

    How Will Bluesky Impact the Digital Landscape?

    Bluesky is more than just another social media platform; it’s a reflection of changing user expectations. As it continues to grow, universities and brands should take note and prepare for a potential shift in how they communicate in the digital space. With its decentralized foundation, focus on community, and fresh approach to micro-blogging, Bluesky is paving the way for a new era of social media.

    At EducationDynamics, we pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of social media trends. We are committed to exploring how organic platforms like Bluesky can help institutions engage new students and cultivate thriving online communities. For ongoing support and insights, connect with our organic social team and elevate your strategy.  

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