Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform, gained 500,000 new users in just 24 hours after Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) announced changes to its blocking feature. Under the new policy, blocking a user on X will no longer prevent them from viewing your content—it only stops them from interacting with it. This change has led to significant user backlash, with many voicing concerns over safety, privacy, and the potential for increased harassment.
Elon Musk has expressed his belief that traditional blocking mechanisms are largely ineffective, arguing that determined users can bypass blocks through alternative accounts or private browsing. However, critics argue that while blocking may not be foolproof, it serves as an essential first line of defense against online harassment, abuse, and doxxing. Many users see the feature as crucial for setting boundaries, particularly for those who maintain public profiles for professional reasons. Without the ability to fully block unwanted viewers, some users may feel compelled to make their profiles private, limiting their engagement and reach.
The change has also raised alarms for communities and individuals already vulnerable to harassment. GLAAD’s 2024 Social Media Safety Index found X to be the most unsafe platform for LGBTQ users, a trend that has persisted from the previous year. Advocacy groups, including the Trevor Project, emphasize the importance of blocking as a tool for marginalized users to protect themselves from abuse. Removing or weakening this tool could make the platform even more hostile for these at-risk communities.
Young users are also at greater risk due to this change. A report by Thorn, a nonprofit focused on combating child sexual abuse, highlighted that teenagers heavily rely on online safety tools like blocking to protect themselves. According to Thorn, teens are more likely to use blocking and other digital tools than seek help from their offline networks when facing harmful interactions. By weakening the blocking feature, X may be removing a key safety mechanism for young users, potentially leaving them more exposed to online abuse.
Bluesky, an alternative to X and Meta’s Threads, has positioned itself as a decentralized, public benefit corporation. It is now the third-largest micro-blogging platform, following X and Threads. Following the change in X’s blocking policy, Bluesky’s official account announced a surge in new users, stating, “Welcome to the 100k+ people who have joined Bluesky in the last 12 hours!!!” By the 24-hour mark, Bluesky confirmed that half a million users had joined the platform.
The backlash against X’s changes reflects growing dissatisfaction with the platform under Musk’s leadership, particularly around user safety and privacy concerns. Bluesky’s rapid growth suggests a demand for alternative platforms that prioritize user control and privacy.
