In a shifting social media landscape, researchers are increasingly reconsidering where to invest its online presence. Established platforms (naming no names), prioritising algorithmic engagement and commercial and personal interests, can be at odds with the values of open scientific exchange, science, facts and authentic community. This divergence has driven many in academia to explore alternatives, and in the past few weeks Bluesky—a decentralised, customisable social media platform— seems to be the new home of choice for the research community (thousands have flooded to the platform in the past 10 days).
What Sets Bluesky Apart for Researchers?
Traditional social platforms are often optimised for engagement, not necessarily for researchers seeking focused content and professional dialogue. Bluesky, however, has built its platform around user autonomy and customisation, providing researchers with greater control over the content they see and the connections they make. Here’s how:
- Custom Feeds for Personalised Content: Unlike mainstream platforms, Bluesky allows users to create or select custom feeds, tailoring their timeline to specific research interests and updates. Dementia researchers can filter their feeds to prioritise developments in Alzheimer’s, explore ethical debates in clinical trials, or stay informed on new neurodegenerative studies. This capability reduces the noise from unrelated content and ensures that our timelines reflect our professional focus.
- Enhanced Moderation Filters for a Safer Space: Bluesky lets users set their own moderation filters, an approach designed to foster a safe and comfortable experience. For researchers, this feature means creating an environment that’s free from disruptive content, allowing for more constructive exchanges and maintaining a professional tone. It’s a useful tool for staying connected in a setting that prioritises respectful interaction.
Why Follow Dementia Researcher on Bluesky?
As we explore Bluesky as a potential long-term platform, we’re inviting you to join Dementia Researcher on this promising platform [1]. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Timely Research Updates: On Bluesky, you’ll find updates on jobs, events, funding calls, and all our content handpicked for dementia researchers. With custom feeds, you can focus on the areas most relevant to your interests, from emerging therapies to ethical considerations in dementia research.
- Meaningful Conversations with Peers: Bluesky is built for authentic engagement, offering our community a place to connect, share insights, and discuss research in a collaborative, values-aligned space. Here, we can have the conversations that matter without being steered by opaque algorithms or intrusive ads.
- Content That Aligns with Our Values: As a dementia research community, we value integrity, scientific curiosity, and supportive engagement. By joining us on Bluesky, you’ll be part of a platform where our shared principles drive the conversation, allowing us to foster genuine connections in a setting that respects our values.
The Future of Social Media for Dementia Researchers
As the social media landscape continues to evolve, we’re committed to finding a home that supports our community’s needs and values. We will continue to post on all platforms (Instagram, X, BlueSky, LinkedIn) until early 2025, however Bluesky is a significant step towards a social media experience that aligns with our mission, providing a space where research can thrive in a respectful, constructive environment.
Follow Dementia Researcher on Bluesky to help us shape this future together. Join us to stay connected, stay informed, and be part of a values-aligned community dedicated to advancing dementia research in a meaningful way.
Looking for something different?
If you’re simply fedup with social media, and don’t want to start over – why not download and try the Dementia Researcher Community App [2]. A dedicated platform for sharing, collaboration, events and community.
Follow us on BlueSky Social [1]