Bluesky, the decentralized social networking platform, is learning and growing super fast these days, with CEO Jay Graber at the helm. At 34, Graber has already made a significant mark on the tech world. He took Bluesky from an internal experiment at Twitter and spun it out as a busy platform on its own now over 34.6 million users strong. This impressive growth is not just indicative of the platform’s unique and innovative approach, but of their mission to change what social media can and should be.
Graber first started the process that would eventually lead to Bluesky in 2019, when it was conceived as a project largely funded by then-Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. Although Dorsey has since stepped back from the project, Graber and his team have continued to forge ahead, focusing on creating a space that emphasizes user freedom and engagement without traditional content moderation practices.
The name “Bluesky” has personal meaning for Graber, whose given name, Lantian, means “blue sky” in Mandarin. Such a connection further highlights his intentions to make this platform open and accessible. Graber goes on to describe how Bluesky is able to operate because it’s built on Atmosphere Protocol. This decentralized rule book allows developers to build exciting new projects and applications. This novel framework is what distinguishes Bluesky from existing social media platforms, fostering a more collaborative culture of innovation.
Only a few months ago, Bluesky was celebrating more than 25 million users. Now, its user base has exploded to 34.6 million, a testament to the growing demand for decentralized social media. The platform’s unique features, including its motto of “freedom of speech, not freedom of reach,” have resonated with users who appreciate the lack of algorithmic downranking of links. This policy allows users to use content in more creative and abundant ways, resulting in greater link traffic and engagement.
Attracting more users isn’t Graber’s primary goal. He imagines a future where social media power is controlled by a democratic and diverse public. He is convinced that by democratizing and decentralizing social media, the people can take back the ownership of their social experiences and social interactions. This philosophy dovetails nicely with the increasing public outcry for transparency and accountability from social media platforms.
Significantly, just like Twitter in its heyday, Bluesky has lured the high-wattage Democratic Party establishment players like Democratic former presidents Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Their presence on the platform is a big breakthrough. Politicians, too, are adapting, using new tools to connect with their constituents and shape the public discourse online. With each one that signs up for Bluesky, these leaders accept the platform’s experimental spirit. Just like everyone else, they deeply believe and invest in its mission to reshape social media.
Bluesky is a rapidly moving target. What it means for the overall social media ecosystem remains muy picante. With Jay Graber at the helm and a clear vision for an open and democratic future, it positions itself as a formidable player in the industry. The platform is experiencing explosive growth and could soon become a formidable competitor to traditional social media platforms. It provides consumers with a new option that focuses on control and community involvement.
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