Bluesky, the decentralized social network spun out of Twitter’s former CEO Jack Dorsey’s vision, has reached a major milestone: 40 million registered users as of October 2025 TechCrunch. This growth comes amid rising interest in alternative platforms that prioritize user control and moderation transparency.
Introducing the “Dislikes” Beta
To refine its content ranking and improve user experience, Bluesky is launching a “dislikes” beta feature. Unlike traditional downvotes, these dislikes are designed to signal what content users want to see less of—not to punish creators. The feedback will influence how posts and replies are ranked in feeds, especially in the Discover tab TechCrunch newsvyb.com.
Focus on Healthier Conversations
The dislikes rollout is part of a broader effort to foster “fun, genuine, and respectful exchanges”. Bluesky is also testing:
Reply prioritization based on social proximity (“neighborhoods” of frequent interactions)
Improved toxic comment detection
Moderation tools like block lists, muted words, and third-party moderation services TechCrunch newsvyb.com
These updates aim to address user concerns over moderation inconsistencies and reduce the kind of “dunking” culture seen on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
Decentralized Moderation Philosophy
Bluesky continues to emphasize user-driven moderation. While some users want the platform to ban controversial figures, Bluesky maintains that moderation should be decentralized, allowing individuals to shape their own experience through customizable filters and moderation lists newsvyb.com.
