Bluesky is experiencing significant growth as scientists flock to the platform, marking a potential successor to X (formerly Twitter) for discussions in the science and health sectors. The migration is largely driven by dissatisfaction with X after Elon Musk’s acquisition and recent controversies surrounding his political affiliations.
The latest report from the Mike Young Academy notes that the number of influential scientists on Bluesky has surged to 39,030, a 75% increase from 22,225 just three months prior. This represents a move towards a more connected scientific community on the platform, clearly evidencing a broader interest among academics and communicators alike. The total number of scientists on Bluesky is estimated to be even larger, as the released figure only accounts for those with a substantial following within the scientific community.
Scientists embrace Bluesky as a rising hub for academic discussions
A marked spike in registrations occurred in August 2024, correlating with negative sentiments toward Musk and a ban on X in Brazil. Additionally, the political climate in the U.S. further fueled migration, as controversies over Musk’s endorsement of Trump heightened discontent among X users, particularly within the academic community.
The migration of scientists to Bluesky has been mapped quantitatively, with timestamped data showing when each user joined the platform. This data indicates a concentrated interest in scientific discussions on Bluesky, with community formations around specific research fields emerging organically. The algorithmic structuring of these communities suggests a deliberate clustering based on shared interests among scientists.
The latest update also detailed the top 100 influencers on Bluesky, showcasing a diverse array of scientists and communicators. Influential accounts vary in follower numbers, consistent with trends observed across similar platforms where a few voices dominate the conversations while most users maintain smaller networks.
In response to user feedback, the study’s methodology was refined to enhance the identification of diverse scientific fields. While previous analyses captured an extensive range of disciplines, the expansion further solidifies the representation of various research communities on Bluesky.
As scientists adjust to a changing digital area, the role of social media in facilitating public discussions about science is evolving. Genome scientist Neil Hall highlights the challenges of maintaining scientific dialogue when expert voices migrate to multiple platforms. The exodus to Bluesky marks a shift in how scientific communication will unfold, as established norms on X have diminished with the growing discontent among its users.
Scientists are re-examining their online presence, with Bluesky surpassing 20 million accounts since its February 2023 launch. Engagement levels on X have reportedly declined since Musk’s ownership changed the platform’s dynamics, prompting many in the scientific community, including some of X’s high-profile accounts in science and health, to seek alternatives.
Bluesky is positioning itself as a viable replacement for experts looking to maintain robust exchanges on science and health topics. Recent user experiences reflect a favorable environment for collaboration, engaging dialogues, and discussions previously absent on other platforms such as Mastodon and Threads.
Images credit: Furkan Demirkaya/Flux AI
