Researchers are increasingly turning to Bluesky, a social media platform that’s attracting attention for its unique approach to sharing academic work. A recent study analyzing 2.6 million posts from January 2023 to July 2025 found that posts about research on Bluesky received significantly more interaction than similar posts on X (previously known as Twitter). This has sparked interest among scientists looking for better ways to engage with their audience.
Bluesky currently has over 38 million users and is designed similar to X. However, the platform has gained favor among some scientists since Elon Musk’s takeover of X in late 2022. A survey from Nature revealed that many researchers prefer Bluesky for discussing and promoting their work.
The study, led by researchers from the UK and China, highlighted that nearly half of the science-related posts on Bluesky got at least ten likes. In comparison, X posts often saw only about 4% to 7.5% receive the same level of engagement. An even bigger gap appeared in reposts, with 33% of Bluesky posts being shared at least ten times, compared to just 1.4% to 4.4% on X.
What’s particularly interesting about Bluesky is how users engage with research. Nearly 50% of posts summarize academic articles, indicating a deeper level of discussion around the content. In contrast, 92% of science posts on X simply mention the title of the study without further elaboration. This suggests that Bluesky promotes not just the sharing of research but also a richer dialogue about it.
Er-Te Zheng, the study’s lead author and a PhD student at the University of Sheffield, pointed out that Bluesky allows for a more thoughtful form of science communication. While X has been used mainly as a dissemination tool, Bluesky encourages users to reflect on and interact with the research more meaningfully.
The shift towards platforms like Bluesky reflects a broader trend in science communication. As researchers seek better ways to connect with the public and each other, social media continues to evolve. This might be why platforms that foster rich discussions are becoming more popular.
For further insights, you can explore more on academic communication trends here.
Source link
Communication,Media,Publishing,Science,Humanities and Social Sciences,multidisciplinary
