Should We Get a Blueksy Account? Here’s the research.

by Jon Scaccia November 21, 2024

Imagine being a detective tasked with solving a mystery, but every time you uncover a new clue, someone takes away your tools. That’s the reality researchers face when trying to study online behaviors. For years, platforms like Twitter and Reddit provided open access to their data, enabling critical discoveries about misinformation, opinion polarization, and public discourse. But in 2023, the rules changed. With these platforms locking down their data, researchers were left scrambling, their detective tools confiscated.

Twitter was a big loss for me personally. I even published on how we could use Twitter to monitor efficacy of public health social media campaigns. To be clear, you can still do this; it’s just much harder and more expensive.

Enter Bluesky Social, a decentralized platform that’s rewriting the script. Unlike its predecessors, Bluesky isn’t just sharing data—it’s doing so at an unprecedented scale. Researchers have compiled a comprehensive dataset from Bluesky, capturing over 235 million posts and the interactions of 81% of all registered users. This dataset is more than numbers; it’s a lifeline for the field of computational social science.

Why Bluesky Data Matters

Bluesky’s open API is a breath of fresh air for researchers starved of reliable data. The dataset doesn’t just offer the usual metrics like likes, reposts, and follower counts. It dives deeper, including custom content recommendation algorithms, or “feed generators.” These allow users to shape their online experience, whether it’s a feed filled with cat photos or one showcasing verified news.

This unique feature opens doors to pressing questions:

• Does choosing your algorithm reduce the spread of misinformation?
• Can custom feeds counteract echo chambers?
• How do different algorithms shape user engagement?

For the first time, researchers can examine not only what people post but also how algorithms influence their choices.

The Human Side of Data

To understand the real-world impact of this dataset, picture a scenario. Imagine Mia, a teacher who curates her Bluesky feed to prioritize educational resources. Using the platform’s tools, she avoids the rabbit holes of misinformation and instead finds actionable insights for her students. Meanwhile, Sam, a budding entrepreneur, customizes his feed to follow sustainability trends, turning ideas into action for his startup.

Bluesky’s data is not just numbers on a screen; it reflects the decisions of millions of people like Mia and Sam. It provides a snapshot of humanity navigating the digital landscape in their unique ways.

Subheading: The Battle Against Misinformation

In the age of fake news, the Bluesky dataset offers an unprecedented opportunity to tackle the problem at its root. Unlike traditional platforms, Bluesky’s decentralized structure and user-curated feeds make it easier to trace how misinformation spreads—and how to stop it.

Researchers can now analyze how exposure to tailored content impacts beliefs and behaviors. For instance, does a feed filled with verified sources foster critical thinking? Or does it create new silos of like-minded individuals? These insights could shape future policies on content moderation and digital literacy.

A Tool for Change

What makes this dataset extraordinary isn’t just its scale—it’s the transparency. Bluesky empowers users and researchers alike to interrogate the algorithms that shape our digital lives. By making feed generator data publicly available, Bluesky is fostering a new era of accountability.

Consider this: algorithms decide what news you see, what ads you click, and even who you vote for. Yet, their workings are often shrouded in secrecy. Bluesky flips this script, offering a rare glimpse into the mechanics of content delivery. This transparency can lead to better, fairer algorithms, built with the public good in mind.

Subheading: A Snapshot of Digital Culture

Beyond combating misinformation, the dataset captures the vibrancy of Bluesky’s community (which is still growing). With posts in 227 languages and feeds ranging from science and politics to book recommendations, Bluesky is a digital mosaic of global culture.

For instance, during the conflict in Gaza, Bluesky’s News feed spiked in popularity, reflecting users’ need for verified updates. Similarly, the Science feed’s summer popularity aligns with users’ curiosity during a season of discovery.

This data isn’t just academic; it’s a record of how we react, connect, and evolve in the face of global events. So should we get a bluesky account. Sure, why not? Details to follow.

Join the Conversation

Bluesky’s groundbreaking dataset is reshaping how we study the internet—and ourselves. But the story doesn’t end here. We want to hear from you:

1. If you could create a custom social media feed, what would it focus on?
2. How do you think algorithms influence your online choices?

Comment below and share your thoughts!

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