Bluesky hits #1 on App Store
Bluesky is the leading free app in the U.S. App Store amid the decline of X (formerly known as Twitter). The alternative social platform has surpassed 21 million users, with approximately 100,000 people joining daily following the election.
The political discourse shaped by X may have also pushed users towards Bluesky for its greater user control. The platform focuses on decentralisation, meaning users have more control over their data and how the platform operates. It aims to provide a more open, customisable, and user-focused social experience.
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Threads take its first steps to separate from Instagram
The link between Threads and Instagram has proved a challenge for the platform, as recommendations are provided based on interactions on Instagram.
Whilst Threads plans to remove Instagram-related recommendations during the onboarding process, it will continue using your Instagram activity to curate the “For You” feed. This means Instagram-related post suggestions will still appear in the feed.
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Instagram removing the option to follow hashtags
In an attempt to counter hashtag spammers, Instagram has removed the option to follow hashtags.
Spammers have long targeted trending hashtags with junk related posts in order to maximise the reach of their content. To address these complaints, Instagram has chosen to remove the option entirely, putting an end to the frustration.
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Australian inquiry stops short of advocating for a social media ban for those under 16
A parliamentary committee reviewing social media’s impact in Australia has suggested that users should be allowed to adjust or turn off algorithms and receive better privacy protections but stopped short of recommending a ban for under-16s.
The inquiry stated that there was widespread agreement that a ban alone was not sufficient to curb harm on social media. Instead, the committee recommended that any regulatory re-structure which will affect young people should include young people as contributors in the process.
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The Guardian stops posting on X
The Guardian has announced that it will no longer be posting on the social platform X due to it becoming a “toxic media platform”. The newspaper expressed concerns over Musk’s influence on political conversation during the US presidential election, and his alignment with Donald Trump.
Despite ceasing activity on X, the Guardian will still allow users to share its articles, continue embedding X posts in coverage, and permit reporters to use the platform for news-gathering.
It has shifted to the rapidly growing rival platform Bluesky, signalling a notable shift in stance.
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