Timeline of Social Networks: From Orkut to Bluesky
Orkut (2004-2014): Launched by Google, Orkut was one of the first platforms to connect friends and communities online. It gained immense popularity in countries like Brazil and India before being discontinued in 2014. I think this was also the first network I used 8lettersuk as a username?
MySpace (2003-2011): MySpace was a pioneer of the customisable profile and of course the infamous music integration. It reigned as the most visited social network until Facebook surpassed it. Yes I had a profile no I have no idea what was on it now.
Facebook (2004-Present): Initially launched only for students, Facebook expanded to become the largest social network globally, integrating features like News Feeds, photo sharing, and groups. It all started though with farmville and pokes. Yes I still have an account. No I don’t want to talk about it.
Twitter (2006-2022): Known for its 140-character micro-blogging format and it’s fail whale, Twitter became a platform for real-time news, discussions, and global trends. It’s time is over though now it’s X and basically a propaganda machine.
LinkedIn (2003-Present): I guess this counts as another micro blogging platform just with a specific niche for companies and networking. LOL of course I have an account.
Instagram (2010-Present): Initially focused on photo sharing, Instagram introduced stories, reels, and shopping features, basically anything Meta thought it could use to kill off competition like snapchat. Yes I have an account. Yes I have issues with their overtly anti-LGBTQ moderation. No I will not elaborate.
Snapchat (2011-Present): Known initally for ephemeral content and AR filters, Snapchat changed how users interacted with disappearing stories and messages. Your Instagram stories exist because of Snap. Yes I had an account. No I was not the target audience.
Vine (2013-2017): Vine introduced looping 6-second videos and became a cultural phenomenon before shutting down. Its legacy influenced short-form video content on platforms like TikTok. Yes I also had an account.
TikTok (2016-Present): Originally launched as Douyin in China, TikTok gained worldwide popularity for its short-form videos powered by a highly engaging algorithm. It’s also attracted lots of hate in the US because (in my view) it is the only major network on the list that is not US owned and operated. This one kind of passed me by because I don’t really like video content without subtitles and most of the content is not really that.
Threads (2023-Present): Created by Meta and tied heavily to Instagram Threads emerged as a direct competitor to Twitter, aiming to merge visual content and text in a micro-blogging format. It suffers the same issues as Instagram and indeed all Meta properties in it’s moderation issues and LGBTQ suppression.
Bluesky (2021-Present): So this brings us to Bluesky which focuses on decentralisation. So here we go again? What is old is new again. Re-inventing the micro-blogging format but is it worth the effort?
I skipped over Mastadon (yes I started with it but it is still I think way too techy barrier to entry for most people) and I skipped over FourSquare which I loved and think I may still be the Mayor of some London places but meh they messed that whole thing up when they split it into two apps and lost focus on why people where using it. Anyway this is a shorter version of a list of of profiles i have online (https://8letters.co.uk/profiles/). I say this because well here I am extolling the virtues of yet another platform. BlueSky.
Why Bluesky Stands Out Among Micro-Blogging Platforms right now
If you’re looking for a fresh take on micro-blogging platforms, Bluesky might just be what you’re after. As someone who’s explored multiple platforms – including Twitter (or X if you insist) and Threads – I’ve found Bluesky to offer a better experience that deserves attention. You can find me sharing my insights and stories over at my profile 8letters.co.uk on Bluesky. Oh yeah it nicely allows you to use a domain as a username very easily (more details here https://bsky.social/about/blog/4-28-2023-domain-handle-tutorial).
Decentralised Structure
One of Bluesky’s better features is its decentralised architecture. Unlike say Twitter, which is controlled by a single company person, Bluesky leverages the AT Protocol to create an ecosystem where users have more control over their data and experience. This approach promotes openness, innovation, and user autonomy, setting it apart from the closed ecosystems of its competitors.
A Cleaner, More Natural Timeline
The clutter-free timeline is another major advantage over some of it’s competitors. Bluesky’s design focuses on user-generated content, without the noise of excessive ads (although I am sure they will come) and losing the major algorithmic pushes seen on Twitter and Threads. This means your timeline will likely stay relevant and free from distractions, letting you engage with content that matters to you. At least that’s been my experience so far.
Community and Culture
Bluesky has managed to cultivate a unique and tight-knit community. Early adopters and creative individuals make up a significant portion of its user base (and we I guess can skip over the furries), which fosters an environment of genuine interaction and creativity. Unlike the polarised or heavily commercialised culture of Twitter, Bluesky feels more like a community where individual voices are valued.
Data Portability and Control
One major pain point with platforms like Threads and Twitter is the ‘locked-in’ nature of user data. Even in the EU with our data portability laws it’s kind of pointless to have my Twitter archive if there is nothing I can do with it. With Bluesky’s AT Protocol, data portability is not just a promise but a feature. Users can move their profiles and content between different services that use the protocol, giving them true ownership over their digital presence.
A Refreshing Alternative
For those tired of the ego-driven changes on Twitter or the brand-heavy feel of Threads, Bluesky offers a refreshing alternative. It’s a space that values quality interactions over quantity, allowing users to feel connected and heard.
15 Million and counting
With the exodus from other platforms and the natural network effects as a platform grows more an more people are using BlueSky (https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/13/tech/x-musk-bluesky-users-post-election/index.html). More than a million joined this week alone (https://bsky.app/profile/bsky.app/post/3larljiybf22v).
Check out my profile here to see more about my journey on yet another new platform.
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