Social Media

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Why Bluesky | How to Make the Switch | Best Practices | Additional Articles

Why Leave X and Facebook?

Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook have become notorious for invasive data collection and algorithmic manipulation. These platforms track your every interaction—likes, shares, clicks—and use this data to build detailed profiles that are sold to advertisers or used for political influence. Worse yet, they’ve been at the center of numerous scandals involving data breaches, misinformation, and unethical practices. Facebook’s Cambridge Analytica scandal exposed how the platform allowed third-party apps to harvest data from over 87 million users without consent, fueling political manipulation and misinformation campaigns.[1] Similarly, X (formerly Twitter) has faced criticism for amplifying hate speech and misinformation, particularly after Elon Musk reduced content moderation and reinstated previously banned accounts.[2] Both platforms have also suffered major data breaches, such as Facebook’s 2018 vulnerability that exposed access tokens for 50 million accounts[3] and X’s 2023 leak of 200 million user emails.[4] These incidents highlight the systemic disregard for user privacy and safety on mainstream social media platforms.

"The current state of most social platforms is that users are trapped while developers are excluded," said Bluesky CEO Jay Graber. "We aim to create a platform that ensures users have the freedom to choose and developers have the liberty to innovate."[5] This openness is crucial from a privacy perspective because it allows developers to create tools and features that prioritize user control and data security. By enabling innovation, it ensures that no single company dictates how your data is used. Developers can build apps that minimize data collection, enhance anonymity, or offer advanced encryption, giving users more choices to protect their privacy.

If you’re serious about protecting your digital footprint, it’s time to consider alternative social media platforms.

Why Bluesky?

Bluesky

Bluesky is a social media platform built to give you control over your data and online experience. Unlike traditional platforms that store all your information in one place and control everything, Bluesky uses a system where your data is spread across many independent servers. This means you own your information, and if you don’t like how one part of the platform works, you can move to another without losing your posts or connections.

  • Decentralized by Design: Bluesky’s unique system ensures that no single entity controls your data. Instead of relying on a centralized company to store and manage everything, Bluesky allows your data to be distributed across multiple independent servers. This gives you the freedom to move between servers without losing your posts, followers, or identity. "Bluesky enables users to collaborate on verification and moderation by sharing block lists and labels," explains Martin Fowler.[6]

  • No Ads or Tracking: Bluesky doesn’t rely on invasive tracking or targeted advertising. Instead, Bluesky plans to generate revenue through user-centric methods like offering paid subscriptions for premium features such as custom domains and enhanced profile options. It is also developing support for creators by enabling direct monetization tools like tipping and exclusive content subscriptions, with Bluesky taking a small percentage of these transactions. This approach ensures sustainability while respecting user privacy and avoiding exploitative practices. "It’s refreshing to use a platform where I’m not bombarded by ads or manipulated by algorithms," said Paul Tassi of Forbes.[7]

  • User-Curated Algorithms: Unlike other platforms that dictate what you see, Bluesky lets you customize your feed by choosing or creating algorithms tailored to your interests.

  • Upcoming Flashes Feature: Bluesky will soon introduce Flashes—a short-form video feature designed to rival Instagram Reels and TikTok. Currently in beta testing (as of February 3, 2025) and expected to launch publicly within the next few weeks, Flashes will allow users to post up to four photos or one-minute videos that automatically sync with their Bluesky account. This seamless integration ensures comments and interactions flow across both platforms, creating a unified social experience while maintaining Bluesky’s commitment to privacy and decentralization.

  • A Healthier Community: With anti-toxicity features like customizable filters and shared moderation tools, Bluesky fosters a positive online environment. Customizable filters allow users to tailor their experience by blocking specific types of content or interactions they find harmful, giving them greater control over what they see and engage with. Shared moderation tools enable communities to collaborate on curating safe spaces by sharing block lists and labels, reducing the spread of harassment or misinformation across the platform. These tools empower users to shape their own social media experience while maintaining Bluesky’s commitment to decentralization and privacy.

Geek Tip: For advanced privacy, consider using decentralized apps (like Bluesky) with a VPN to mask your IP address and further protect your online activity. Additionally, explore Bluesky’s open AT Protocol to customize your experience or even build your own tools for moderation and data management.

How to Make the Switch

Yogi Tip:
1. Download the Bluesky mobile app [iOS, Android] and create an account.
2. Follow accounts that interest you.
3. Figure out the rest as you go.
    1. Create an account on Bluesky by visiting bsky.app/ or downloading the mobile app [iOS, Android].
    2. Set up your profile and start following accounts that interest you. Many creators and organizations are already migrating to Bluesky!
    3. If you’re leaving X or Facebook, let your followers know where they can find you on Bluesky before deactivating your old accounts.
    4. Explore upcoming features like Flashes for short-form video content—perfect for replacing Instagram Reels or TikTok.

    Best Practices for Social Media Privacy

    • Avoid sharing sensitive personal information like your location or financial details on any platform.
    • Use strong, unique passwords for each social media account and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
    • Regularly review your privacy settings to ensure you’re sharing only what you intend to.
    • If possible, use a VPN when accessing social media to mask your IP address.
    • Encourage friends and family to join privacy-focused platforms like Bluesky for a safer online experience.

    Additional Articles

    Footnotes

    [1] Shiona McCallum, "Meta settles Cambridge Analytica scandal case for $725m," BBC News, December 23, 2024.
    [2] Jasmine Owens, "Who's boycotting Twitter/X and Tesla?," Ethical Consumer, October 30, 2024.
    [3] Michael X. Heiligenstein, "Facebook Data Breaches: Full Timeline Through 2023," Firewall Times, January 2025.
    [4] Lily Hay Newman, "What Twitter's 200 Million-User Email Leak Actually Means," Wired, January 6, 2023.
    [1] Emily Baker-White, "How Jay Graber Is Making Sure Bluesky Never Turns Into Elon Musk's X," Forbes, January 3, 2025.
    [2] Martin Fowler, "Recent Changes - Decentralized Data Management," Martin Fowler Blog, December 2024.
    [3] Paul Tassi, "The Main Advantage Bluesky Has Over Twitter (Besides The Obvious One)," Forbes, October 19, 2024.