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In recent weeks, an increasing number of researchers have joined the social-media platform Bluesky, hoping to revive the camaraderie and collaboration they once enjoyed on Twitter. The platform’s appeal lies in its resemblance to Twitter (now known as X), which was once a hub for academic exchange before significant changes under Elon Musk’s ownership drove many users away.
Bethan Davies, a glaciologist at Newcastle University, UK, notes that “all the academics have suddenly migrated to Bluesky,” describing the platform as having “absolutely exploded.” Since the US presidential election, Bluesky’s user base has surged from 14 million to nearly 21 million, drawing in a variety of users, particularly scientists looking for an online space to share research, network, and collaborate.
Bluesky’s rapid growth is largely attributed to its familiar layout, resembling Twitter in its functionality while offering key features that attract those who felt disillusioned with X. Since Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, changes in content moderation, an increase in spam, bots, and inappropriate content, as well as a reduction in community protections, led many researchers to leave. Bluesky, in contrast, offers robust controls for filtering unwanted content and blocking accounts, making it more attractive for academics.
Several other alternatives, like Mastodon and Threads, have also emerged, but none have garnered the same momentum as Bluesky. For bioacoustics researcher Daryll Carlson, Bluesky offers a refreshing environment to engage not just with fellow scientists but also with artists, photographers, and the wider public. She hopes it continues to be “a place of joy.”
A key feature drawing academics to Bluesky is the ability to curate feeds on specific topics. The Science feed, in particular, has become a focal point, where scientists and science communicators share research and insights. This feed, which attracts 400,000 views daily, has expanded rapidly to include 3,500 contributors, spanning fields from ecology to quantum physics.
For those who want to share their work, there’s a straightforward process to become a contributor, with moderators verifying credentials before granting access. Mae Saslaw, a geoscientist at Stony Brook University, says that the number of daily requests to contribute to the Science feed has dramatically increased, growing from one a week to six a day. Early-career researchers like Saslaw find Bluesky a valuable tool for staying up-to-date with the latest software and research developments, as well as networking for potential job opportunities.
Bluesky’s emphasis on moderation has also proven appealing. Researchers appreciate the platform’s customizable filters to block out content such as spam or explicit material, which helps maintain a professional environment. The platform also includes a “nuclear block” feature that ensures complete disengagement with blocked accounts, something X no longer offers. Additionally, users can create and subscribe to collaborative block lists, protecting them from offensive content and improving the overall user experience.
For some, like neuroscientist Clíona Murray, Bluesky represents a safer space compared to X. Murray, who co-founded the Black in Neuro organization, had grown disillusioned with X due to rising toxicity. On Bluesky, she has created custom “starter packs” to help new users follow academics and groups that promote diversity in the sciences. Her own pack, Blackademics U.K., and the work of open-source developers like Rudy Fraser have helped curate content that counters racism and misogyny.
Despite these benefits, there are concerns that Bluesky could eventually face similar challenges as its predecessor. “With any huge wave of growth, there’s going to be a wave of spam and scam as well,” warns Emily Liu, who handles communications and partnerships at Bluesky. The company is already scaling up its moderation team to address potential issues as the platform continues to grow.
Some researchers, like Axel Bruns from Queensland University of Technology, are holding onto their X accounts to protect against impersonators, while others, such as Madhukar Pai, a tuberculosis researcher at McGill University, remain reluctant to fully leave. Pai, who has lost approximately 1,000 followers in the migration to Bluesky, maintains that experts staying on X is crucial to providing evidence-based content on the platform.
As the academic community continues to embrace Bluesky, only time will tell if the platform can maintain its welcoming and collaborative environment while managing the challenges that come with rapid expansion.
