Reporters gather at Bluesky as X’s toxicity grows apparent

Ashton Pittman, an award-winning news editor and reporter, initially joined Bluesky as he felt increasingly alienated by Twitter. Since then, the platform has gained popularity among journalists, writers, activists, and others who felt limited by Twitter’s algorithms. Many Mississippi journalists have migrated to Bluesky, with Pittman’s outlet, the Mississippi Free Press, experiencing higher engagement and follower counts on Bluesky compared to Twitter. Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter led to concerns about the platform suppressing posts with external links, prompting many users to switch to Bluesky. The platform, originally funded by Jack Dorsey, has become a welcoming environment for marginalized populations and journalists covering sensitive issues. Bluesky’s chief operating officer emphasized the platform’s commitment to promoting links and encouraging a more diverse range of topics and stories. Journalists like Phil Lewis and Talia Lavin have found success in engaging with audiences on Bluesky, away from the toxicity and hate speech prevalent on Twitter. For Lavin, the platform offers a more positive environment to share work without fear of harassment. Additionally, organizations like the States Project have reported higher fundraising success on Bluesky compared to Twitter. Overall, Bluesky offers a promising alternative for creators and journalists seeking a more supportive and engaging platform for their work.

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