Social media platforms are acknowledging the value of a decentralized social network. Twitter is leading the switch towards decentralization, and it has been making significant milestones towards achieving its goal. Here is an overview of Twitter’s and other social media networks’ measures to achieve decentralization.
The Difference Between Centralized & Decentralized Social Media
Twitter and other social media platforms are currently centralized. This means that the buck of responsibilities such as moderating misinformation and ensuring political neutrality stops with the social media companies. For example, Twitter is entirely responsible for determining who can use the platform and for what purposes.
A decentralized social media network is hosted on independently-run servers. Individual social media companies such as Twitter (and new platforms by individuals) can host their platforms on the network. These individual platforms can see and interact with content across the decentralized network through blockchain technology.
The most important aspect of social media decentralization is that users get more control and autonomy over their platforms’ content. This means that individuals can set up their own social media platforms and control what users can do and say.
Twitter’s Collaboration with Bluesky
Bluesky is a decentralized social media network developed by Twitter. This network will host social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Gab, and individually developed platforms.
Bluesky will give users (social media platform owners) control and autonomy over what happens on their platforms. Users can explore content across various platforms on the network, but they only have control over their individual platforms. Additionally, developers can develop plug-and-play content curation tools and algorithms that users can apply when moderating content.
Consequently, users can limit misinformation and other fraudulent activities while also protecting marginalized groups’ right to free speech. Developers have also highlighted the network’s ability to protect social media platforms against government censorship.
Twitter has assembled a robust team to develop the Bluesky decentralized network. The team includes representatives from other decentralized networks such as ActivityPub and Mastodon. More notably, Twitter recently appointed Jay Graber, the developer of Happening, as the project’s leader. Mr. Graber was selected because of his knowledge and experience in social media (Happening) and cryptocurrency technology (Zcash).
However, Bluesky is still in its initial research and testing phases. However, the network will take shape quickly, considering recent milestones such as the expansion of its development team and the appointment of Jay Graber as the project’s leader.
TikTok’s Collaboration With Audius
TikTok recently collaborated with music streaming platform Audius in its efforts to switch to a decentralized network. Audius is a decentralized music streaming platform with more than 100,000 musicians and five million users. The platform will power TikTok’s new music streaming platform, streamlining how people upload and listen to music on the social media giant.
Decentralization is Reshaping the Future of Social Media
Decentralization will help promote free speech on social media while also limiting disinformation and other malicious activities. Twitter’s Bluesky is leading the switch to a decentralized social media network. The network’s users will have greater control and autonomy over their social media platforms.