Two years ago, I made the decision to leave Twitter. It was a platform where I had once found community, connection, and conversation, but Elon Musk’s acquisition marked a turning point for me. The lack of content moderation and the rise of hate-filled ideologies, including neo-Nazism, made it clear that the platform no longer aligned with my values. For many of us, Twitter became a hostile space, a far cry from its early promise.

Why Blue Sky?

1. Decentralization and Accountability Blue Sky operates on the AT Protocol, which emphasizes decentralization. Unlike Twitter, this allows for greater user control and the ability to build custom moderation tools. This feels like a much-needed safeguard for someone like me, who left due to the erosion of moderation standards.
2. Rebuilding Community Blue Sky is still in its early days, with a smaller user base, but its strength is its intimacy. People who felt alienated by Twitter’s toxicity are finding a sense of safety and inclusivity again. There’s room to foster meaningful conversations without the constant threat of harassment.
3. A Fresh Start Many of us are carrying the lessons learned from Twitter into Blue Sky. We know the risks of unchecked power and algorithms that amplify hate. The Blue Sky community, while small, seems committed to avoiding those pitfalls and prioritizing positive interactions.

The Importance of Content Moderation

Content moderation isn’t a buzzword—it’s a necessity. My departure from Twitter wasn’t just about Elon Musk’s leadership but what his leadership symbolized: a laissez-faire approach to harmful rhetoric. Social platforms are responsible for balancing free speech with safety, and Blue Sky feels like a step in that direction.

Looking Ahead

The move to Blue Sky isn’t just a shift to a different app; it’s a shift in mindset. It’s about rejecting the normalization of hate and choosing spaces that reflect our values. It’s about demanding better from our platforms and ensuring they foster connection, not division.

While no platform is perfect, Blue Sky offers hope—a reminder that we can build online communities that lift us up instead of tearing us down. If you’ve been considering a move, I’d say it’s worth it. The air feels lighter up here.