Bluesky, Mastodon and co.: Decentralisation and Authentic Communication
What makes them so special?
In a time where digital conversations are becoming increasingly centralized and controlled, platforms like BlueSky bring a refreshing breeze to the media landscape. Launched by Jack Dorsey, the former CEO of Twitter, BlueSky aims to return the way we interact online back into the hands of the community.
BlueSky utilizes an open protocol, the AT-protocol, which brings transparency to the way the platform is built and evolves*. This decentralized approach has the potential to change the way we use and understand social networks.
We live in an era where our online discourse is controlled by a handful of tech giants. These companies have the power to decide who has a platform and who doesn’t. They decide what kinds of conversations can be had and which cannot. This centralized control has led many to seek alternatives.
Here's where BlueSky steps in. By decentralizing the platform itself - giving everyone the opportunity to host their own server and retain control over their own data - BlueSky becomes an interesting alternative that returns power back into the hands of the users.
Decentralization also has the potential to change the way we think about sustainability in the digital world. In a decentralized world, we are no longer reliant on a single company acting ethically. Instead, all users can make their own decisions that align with their values.
The reaction to BlueSky has been very generously positive to date. In a relatively short time after the sale of Twitter (now “X”) to Elon Musk, BlueSky became a solution that seemingly filled a gap for many people. A collective need for a platform that promotes openness and transparency in the digital world.
BlueSky is not the first project that seeks to decentralize social media. Projects like Mastodon have already pursued a decentralized approach, to name just one example. The movement towards a more open and transparent digital communication is certainly underway, but far from established.
Will BlueSky be the catalyst for a broader change? That remains to be seen. However, what is clear is that decentralization has great future potential when it comes to promoting a more sustainable and open digital communication. Personally, it sounds like a very positive change that I would like to support.
Since the social network is relatively new, new users can currently only register with an invite-code or get on the waiting list. All users receive a weekly invite-code to invite others. So let me know if you want to be part of this movement!
If you're already on BlueSky, I'd be delighted to connect with you! Here's the link to my BlueSky profile: bsky.app/profile/zagkos.com
1 TechCrunch: What is Bluesky? Everything to know about the app trying to replace Twitter: https://techcrunch.com/2023/07/16/what-is-bluesky-everything-to-know-about-the-app-trying-to-replace-twitter/ https://techcrunch.com/2023/07/24/what-is-bluesky-everything-to-know-about-the-app-trying-to-replace-twitter/
I will never send more than one email per month, I promise!
