In recent developments, significant changes on X have led users to flock to its decentralized competitor, Bluesky. The platform announced that it gained 500,000 new users in a single day, a spike seemingly tied to controversial updates made by X in the past week.
One of the major changes affecting users is the modification to the block feature. X users were notified this week that people they’ve blocked can still view their posts, though they cannot interact with them. This alteration marks a significant shift in the platform’s safety tools and has raised concerns about increased vulnerability to harassment.
X justified the update by claiming that the new system provides more transparency, stating, “Today, block can be used by users to share and hide harmful or private information about those they’ve blocked. This update allows users to see if such behavior occurs.” However, critics argue that blocking is a crucial safety feature, especially for individuals seeking protection from harassment or needing to create personal distance. Despite concerns, the change aligns with Elon Musk’s previously expressed dissatisfaction with the block function, which had been hinted at earlier.
Bluesky seized this moment of user frustration, leveraging the changes as a recruitment opportunity.
Meanwhile, updates to X’s terms of service have also sparked unease. The most recent version includes a new clause allowing the platform to use user data for training machine learning and AI models, a significant departure from earlier policies. Additionally, disputes with X must now be handled in the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas, a venue previously presided over by a judge with ties to Tesla.
The new terms of service are scheduled to take effect on November 15th, adding further uncertainty for X’s user base.
As the platform navigates these changes, Bluesky’s rapid growth suggests that users are seeking alternatives. Meta, which owns Threads, has yet to comment on whether it experienced similar growth.
Finally, SocialAI creator Michael Sayman shares insights into his innovative app, which offers a new twist on social networking by removing human interaction altogether. He discusses how AI-driven platforms like his may reshape how we think about online communities and social engagement.
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