Bluesky: The Next Social Media Craze - But Is It Safe?
As I mentioned, to try and reach more people with this blog, I have realised I need to increase my digital footprint on social media. I have decided that the platform to use for my purposes is Bluesky, which is the least worst option! I still don’t have a great opinion of any social media platforms, as they all have negative effects on mental health to varying degrees. You can find my “Cyber Safety Guy” Bluesky profile here.
With a move to the platform and the chance that people might follow me there, I thought it would be a good idea to write something about it, identify the risks and provide awareness to you.
What is Bluesky?
Bluesky is a social media app that has become more popular in recent times due to the exodus of users from X, or as most of us still refer to it, Twitter. Many people consider it to be a safer option than X but you should be aware of the potential risks that are associated with this platform.
What are the Risks of Bluesky?
No Private Accounts: There is currently no ability to create a private account; this means that, by default, anybody can contact a user. This obviously increases the risk of unwanted contact with younger children. I would advise that this isn’t a platform for children at the moment.
Cyberbullying: The lack of private accounts makes it easier for online trolls to target anybody they wish. There is an ability to block users, which can be seen in the images below, however, persistent bullies can create new accounts and continue their activity.
Misinformation & Fake News: As with the other social media platforms, as it becomes more popular, it will become a bigger target for it. Children can often find it difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction when it comes to some things online.
Adult Target Audience: Initially, Bluesky was not designed for a younger audience and parental controls are limited in comparison with other platforms. In the images below, you will see moderation tools and an ability to prevent adult content, but there is nothing stopping a child from turning these off.
Rapid Growth: As I mentioned, Bluesky is becoming more popular, and as it grows, the likelihood is that it will become even more difficult to moderate all content and maintain a safe online environment.
Staying Safe
Adult Content Filter: Bluesky does have the ability to turn on a filter for adult content, as you can see in the image above, and I would suggest doing so to prevent any exposure to graphic and sexual imagery.
Advanced Moderation Service: This is a more in-depth and fine-grained ability to restrict content such as self-harm or radicalised content.
Blocking & Reporting: You have the ability to block and report user accounts and also a mute option to prevent you viewing content of accounts that you don’t want to be exposed to.
Fake Accounts: As with other social media platforms, impersonation is quite commonplace, and you should always be wary of contact from accounts that belong to somebody ‘Famous’
Open & Honest Communication: As always, I advise you to have conversations with your children so you can advise them as to why this particular platform might not be the best one for them until they are older.
As I say, I do not advise you to let children use this platform, and I am using it to be able to reach parents, teachers and older children whom I can raise awareness of my blog. If you are already on there please do feel free to follow me, share my posts and blog on there and reach out to me if you want!
Stay informed to be able to protect your children online, and if you don’t understand something and would like me to try and explain, please drop into the chat, post a comment or send me a message, as I will always give up some time to help you protect a child.