Exploring Brazilians’ Shift to Bluesky and Threads After X Suspension
Millions of Brazilians, including the president, have swiftly migrated to social media platforms like Threads or Bluesky, replacing their usual online hangouts after the suspension of Elon Musk’s X earlier this year. The platform witnessed an influx of over two million new users since South America’s largest nation enforced a ban on X.
Embracing New Platforms Amid Disruption
- Brazilians eagerly joined Bluesky, the social media network launched by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, which now boasts 7.6 million users post the X suspension in Brazil.
- Access to Twitter, previously known as the popular social network, was interrupted following a dispute between Musk and Brazilian Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes.
- The search interest in “Threads” surged fourfold in Brazil following the X ban, indicating a seismic shift in the digital landscape.
- Threads, developed by Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has garnered a global user base of 190 million but did not provide specific new user numbers after the X shutdown.
Bridging the Gap with Familiarity
- Diverse user preferences have emerged in the wake of the X ban as Brazilian netizens seek a fresh online experience.
- Some users like Leon Leal appreciate the welcoming environment of Threads, whereas others like university professor Raul Nunes find Bluesky more appealing due to its continuity with Twitter.
- The absence of certain features on Bluesky, such as a ‘Trending Topics’ section and video sharing, has sparked mixed reactions among users exploring alternative platforms.
- Despite the current transition, the long-term impact of this migration on Brazil’s social media landscape remains uncertain given the country’s robust connectivity and smartphone penetration rates.
Challenges and Concerns Surrounding the Shift
- Users, like Viktor Chagas and Raquel Recuero, express concerns over the availability of familiar profiles on new platforms like Bluesky and Threads, raising questions about potential isolation in a smaller user base environment.
- Chagas highlights the user trust issues surrounding Threads, linked to Meta, amidst global debates on data privacy and protection.
- Political figures, including President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his predecessor Jair Bolsonaro, are adapting to these changes by actively engaging with their supporters on alternative platforms post the X disruption.
Hot Take: Navigating the Evolving Social Media Terrain in Brazil 🚀
As Brazilians pivot to Bluesky and Threads in the aftermath of X’s suspension, the digital landscape witnesses a seismic shift with newfound user preferences and platform dynamics taking center stage. While uncertainties loom regarding data privacy, user isolation, and the lasting impact of this transition, the resilience and adaptability of the Brazilian online community reflect a broader trend towards diversified social media engagement. This dynamic environment underscores the importance of flexibility, innovation, and trust-building in shaping the future of social networking interactions in Brazil and beyond.
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