Quitting Twitter/X often begins with the desire to have an account on one or more other micro-blogging networks. At HelloQuitteX, we help you make that transition with this page, especially if you miss the early spirit of Twitter with its engaging discussions, unexpected connections, and informational serendipity.
In practice, there are currently two microblogging networks developed enough for the network effect to fully take hold: Mastodon & Bluesky. Each has very different characteristics, and we’ll guide you through understanding them.
The advantages of each platform to date:
- Mastodon: a truly decentralized social network, protected from any malicious acquisition; a news feed that can be customized by subscribing to hashtags; several apps with different ergonomics.
- BlueSky: ergonomics comparable in every way to Twitter, algorithmic pluralism implemented: you can configure your news feed by choosing a recommendation algorithm from a wide range of possible alternatives.
Mastodon and BlueSky implement a host of features to protect you from malicious actors and content. We recommend to create an account on both ecosystems and bridge them.
Mastodon
Mastodon is a social networking microblogging software originally developed by Eugen Rochko, a German free software developer, and later expanded by a whole community of contributors. Its software is based on a protocol called ActivityPub, which decentralizes the social network into a federation of servers.
The main characteristic of Mastodon today is its decentralized nature: there is no single company, organization, or entity that "controls" Mastodon. Conversely, this means that the "instance" of Mastodon you choose to open an account on is significant, as most moderation and federation (or not) decisions with other instances will depend on your chosen instance.
At HelloQuitteX, we are familiar with Mastodon. You can create your account on the main Mastodon instance, mastodon.social. We suggest this instance for beginners because they are generalist. Over time, you might wish to migrate to a thematic instance, as it’s possible to move your account: your followers will follow you automagically! You could, for example, switch to an instance for birdwatching enthusiasts (in English) or for those in the cybersecurity field, etc.
To learn more about Mastodon, visit the joinmastodon site, which offers detailed explanations and allows you to find an instance based on various criteria.
[If you’d like to create a Mastodon account, visit mastodon.social.
Once your account has been created, you can install one of the many smartphone apps available. Because the Mastodon protocol is open, anyone can come up with a Mastodon smartphone app: you go from Twitter’s single app to a wide choice of designs and features.
Try several apps to find the one that suits you best, as the official Mastodon app may not necessarily be the most appropriate for your needs. Here’s a non-exhaustive list:
* On Android : Mastodon, Tusky, Moshidon
* Sur iOS: Mastodon, Ivory, Ice Cubes
Create your own news feed! One of the big differences between X and Mastodon is that, unlike X, there is no toxic recommendation algorithm on Mastodon to feed your news feed. Your news feed is populated with posts, in chronological order, from people you follow, as well as posts on topics you follow. You are free to create your own user experience by subscribing to hashtags.
As the Mastodon ecosystem grows, a library of recommendation algorithms will be developed, which you can then choose from, in apps compatible with the Mastodon protocol.
Bluesky
Bluesky is another social networking microblogging platform created as a company by Jack Dorsey, one of Twitter’s co-founders. It is based on an open protocol they invented called the AT Protocol, which aims to be decentralized. As Bluesky is developed by an American company with substantial funds at its disposal, its design and application are its own, and joining the network is frictionless. It is also ahead in the development of algorithmic pluralism, with everyone able to propose and choose the recommendation algorithm that suits them best.
However, as of now, it is not practically possible to join the Bluesky network independently of the company. Thus, the promise of decentralization is not yet realized. The recent support of Blockchain Capital, a company from the world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, may also influence its business model in the future.
To counter this excessive centralization, initiatives like Free our Feeds are currently promoting the development of independent micro-blogging platforms based on the AT Protocol that will be compatible with the BlueSky ecosystem. We encourage those choosing BlueSky to support them.
If you’d like to create a Bluesky account, visit https://bsky.app or download the Bluesky app on Android or iPhone.
