
In the wake of President Donald Trump’s re-election and Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, significant shifts in the social media landscape have emerged. Many users are migrating from platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Threads, and TikTok to Bluesky, seeking alternatives that align more closely with their values and offer a more balanced political discourse.
Elon Musk and “X” User Exodus
Elon Musk’s alignment with President Donald Trump and his political activities have raised concerns among progressive users, prompting many to seek alternative platforms that better align with their values. Musk’s support for Trump, including substantial financial contributions to Trump’s re-election campaign, has been a point of contention. His active promotion of Trump’s policies and rhetoric on X has led many liberal users to feel marginalized. This discontent has resulted in a significant migration to platforms like Bluesky, which offer a more balanced and inclusive environment.
Under Musk’s leadership, X has implemented changes that liberal users perceive as favoring right-wing content. The relaxation of content moderation policies has led to an increase in hate speech and misinformation, creating an unwelcoming atmosphere for many users. This shift has further accelerated the departure of liberal users seeking safer and more inclusive online spaces.
During President Trump’s inauguration celebrations, Elon Musk went viral over his apparent Nazi salute, which he denies despite his right-wing affiliations. Internationally the gesture has been widely condemned by various groups, including the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, which stated that such gestures “normalize extremism and antisemitism,” emphasizing their potential to embolden violent extremists. Musk’s response to the backlash was dismissive, describing the criticism as “sooo tired” and using a snooze emoji. He also made a series of Nazi-themed puns on social media, which the Anti-Defamation League condemned as “offensive” and “inappropriate.” Countless X users departed the platform in a boycott of Musk’s offensive behavior.

Mark Zuckerberg’s Political Alignments and Policy Shifts
Concurrently, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has faced criticism for his political alignments and policy changes. Reports indicate that Zuckerberg donated $1,000,000 to President Trump’s inauguration and attended the event in person. Additionally, Zuckerberg has expressed views on the need for a return to “masculinity” in corporate culture, describing the current corporate environment as “culturally neutered.”
In line with these views, Meta has implemented significant policy changes, including the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The company’s Vice President of HR confirmed that Meta would cease all DEI measures, including equity and inclusion programs, effective immediately.
Uncertainty Surrounding TikTok
The future of TikTok has also become uncertain. In April 2024, President Biden signed a law requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. The Supreme Court upheld this law, leading to a temporary shutdown of TikTok services in the U.S. However, President-elect Trump issued an executive order delaying the ban, allowing TikTok to resume operations. Despite this reprieve, the platform’s long-term future remains uncertain, with ongoing legal battles and political tensions.

User Discontent with Major Social Media Platforms
These developments have contributed to growing discontent among users of major social media platforms. Many are dissatisfied with the perceived political leanings of platforms like X and Instagram, especially following Musk’s acquisition of Twitter and Zuckerberg’s political donations. Users have also expressed frustration with Instagram’s algorithms, which they feel emphasize content related to Republican leaders and right-wing narratives. The removal of third-party fact-checking has further fueled concerns about the spread of misinformation.
In response to these shifts, Bluesky has emerged as a compelling alternative. Founded by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, Bluesky offers a decentralized social media experience that prioritizes user control and content moderation. The platform allows users to customize their feeds and algorithms, fostering a more personalized and balanced information environment. Bluesky is currently ad-free, although the platform may introduce ads in the future. Bluesky’s CEO, Jay Graber, has said that the platform will not compromise user experience for revenue.
Bluesky’s commitment to decentralization and user empowerment has attracted a diverse community seeking an alternative to traditional social media platforms.
We decided to check it out for ourselves, stay tune for more, and in the meantime, follow The Untitled Magazine on Bluesky.