In a recent interview on BBC Radio 5 Live, Jay Graber, the CEO of the social media platform Bluesky, found herself in a peculiar situation regarding the platform’s age limit. She mistakenly indicated that the minimum age for users was 18; however, the actual age requirement is much lower at 13. This miscommunication has raised eyebrows, particularly as Bluesky has witnessed a surge in its user base following the tumultuous aftermath of the U.S. election.
As the platform’s popularity has sky-rocketed recently, millions of individuals have hopped onto Bluesky. This significant influx of users is thought to be partially in reaction to the perceived role that X, formerly known as Twitter, played in Donald Trump’s election campaign. With many users seeking a refuge from the controversial practices and contentious atmosphere prevalent on other platforms, Graber attributed the rapid growth to the positive experience users have on Bluesky. She emphasized during the interview that unlike competing platforms, Bluesky is relatively free from harassment, spam, and bots, creating a healthier environment for discussion and engagement.
When it comes to age verification, Graber explained that Bluesky employs a simplistic method of “age-gating” during the sign-up process, where users are prompted to enter their birth date. However, she later conceded her confusion regarding the precise age restrictions in place, ultimately stating that she would need to confirm the details. Following the interview, Bluesky promptly clarified the misunderstanding by reaching out to the BBC, asserting that the actual minimum age requirement for users is 13. Additionally, they mentioned that the platform includes various settings designed to ensure that content remains safe and appropriate for younger users.
The Bluesky platform, founded by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, has often been compared to the early iterations of Twitter regarding its design and functionality. Although Dorsey stepped down from the board in May of the previous year, Bluesky continues to carry forward his vision. In the light of the recent election results, which saw السياسيون’ choice resulting in deep divisions and protests on X, Bluesky has effectively capitalized on this discontent. Graber noted that Bluesky has seen its user base balloon from nine million in September to over 20 million, all within a short span of time. Nevertheless, it is essential to highlight that while Bluesky is gaining traction, it still lags behind X and Threads, a competing social media service launched by Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.
Another significant aspect of the interview was Bluesky’s monetization strategy. Graber indicated that the platform does not intend to pursue traditional advertising models. Instead, she mentioned the exploration of subscription options that would allow users access to additional features. The moderation process on Bluesky involves a combination of automated technology and human moderation, striving to maintain a balanced and respectful online environment.
Bluesky finds itself at the center of political conversations in other ways too. In recent developments, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that he currently has no intentions of joining Bluesky, emphasizing the importance for the government to engage with the widest audience possible. While X remains a giant with user numbers reported in the hundreds of millions and notable figures like Elon Musk boasting 205 million followers, newcomer Bluesky is carving its niche, potentially attracting those disillusioned with the status quo on established platforms.
In conclusion, Bluesky is navigating a complex landscape as it strives to enhance its user experience while addressing age verification and privacy concerns. Given Graber’s statements and recent user growth, the platform appears to be a significant player in the evolving social media sphere, albeit with the challenges of catching up to giants like X and Threads.
